What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally-elevated or irritable mood that last from days to weeks each. If the elevated mood is severe or is linked to no sleep or decreased sleep, or irritability along with high energy, reckless spending activity talking excessively, flight of ideas, and a few other symptoms, it’s then called mania; if it is less severe, it is called hypomania. If bipolar symptoms are accompanied by delusions or hallucinations then it’s called bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed?
Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed if a person has had at least one manic or hypomanic episode that lasts for 5 days or more ( in a person’s life)
Mania is a period of abnormal and persistent elevated or irritable mood. The episode is generally characterized by an increase in self-esteem, little need for sleep, an increased rate of speech, distraction, increased interest in goals and or activities and psychomotor agitation.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is best dealt with through the use of medication and psychotherapy in order to control symptoms and understand the illness ( Insight generation). Dr Faisal Mamsa is well versed in psychopharmacology (medical treatment) based on his background in brain chemistry research and training in cognitive behavioural therapy