Do you have mood swings?

Bipolar disorders can affect every aspect of our lives.

Abipolar disorder is a common condition, in which an individual experiences both low and high mood states. It affects men and women equally.

Causes
It is caused due to imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters - serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine - in the brain. Conditions within the environment can be a trigger for an episode, but do not cause the disorder on their own. Stressful life events can also follow from the illness.

Symptoms
Low and high mood swings.

There is a lack of interest in activities, avoidance of people and situations, tiredness, difficulty in concentration, changes in sleep and appetite, lack of confidence, reduced self-esteem.

At the other end of the spectrum are the high or elevated moods. These can be either hypomanic or manic. In mania, one has an elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by reduced sleep and appetite. In hypomania, the individual experiences similar symptoms as in a mania, though the intensity and severity of the symptoms are lesser.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made by carefully exploring the presence of both depressive and manic or hypomanic states.

Treatment
Pharmacotherapy helps stabilise the mood states and reduce the levels of irritability and excitability. Restoring sleep is of crucial importance. Avoid the use of substances. Psychotherapy for the individual and family.

(Inputs by Dr Samir Parikh, Chief, department of mental health and behavioural sciences, Max Healthcare, New Delhi)