What Is Bipolar Disorder?

An individual’s mood, energy level, and capacity for function can alter as a result of bipolar illness, a brain disorder. Bipolar disorder patients go through strong emotional states known as mood episodes, which often happen over discrete intervals of days to weeks. Manic/hypomanic (an abnormally cheerful or angry mood) or depression are the two classifications for these mood episodes (sad mood). Most bipolar patients also have periods of neutral mood. Bipolar disease sufferers can live full and productive lives if given the right treatment.

Even those who do not have bipolar disorder go through mood swings. These mood swings, meanwhile, usually only last a few hours as opposed to days. Furthermore, unlike during mood episodes, these alterations are typically not accompanied by the significant degree of behavior change or difficulties adjusting to regular activities and social interactions that bipolar illness sufferers exhibit. A person with bipolar disorder may experience difficulties at work or at school, as well as in their relationships with their loved ones.

Three distinct diagnoses fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Eighty to ninety percent of those with bipolar disorder have a family member who also has the condition or is depressed. Stress, irregular sleep patterns, narcotics, and alcohol can all cause mood swings in persons who are already vulnerable. Although the exact brain-based origins of bipolar disorder are unknown, dysregulated brain activity is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance. 25 years old on average is the onset age.

Anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are typically present in people with bipolar I disorder (ADHD). Compared to the general population, those with bipolar I disorder have a much-increased risk of suicide.

Bipolar illness patients might experience extreme highs of happiness and vigor as well as extreme lows of melancholy, hopelessness, and sluggishness. Usually, people feel normal in the intervals between those times. Bipolar disorder is so named because the highs and lows can be compared to two “poles” of emotion.

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Do Different Bipolar Disorders Exist?

Bipolar disorder comes in a variety of forms, including:

Bipolar I disorder: With bipolar I disorder, your conduct is incredibly unstable and you experience manic “up” phases that last at least a week or are so severe that you require medical attention. Extreme “down” episodes that last at least two weeks are also typical.

Bipolar II disorder: Although the highs and lows are irregular with bipolar II conditions, they are not as severe as they are with bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder: This type includes manic and depressed episodes that span at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents. Compared to bipolar disorder I or II, the symptoms are less severe.

Rapid Cycling: Rapid cycling is a term used to characterize the course of the illness in people with bipolar I or II disorder; it is not a kind of bipolar disorder. It is applicable when there are four or more mood episodes within a year. This sort of illness course affects women more frequently than males, and it can appear and disappear at any point during the course of bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling has a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or actions and is primarily fueled by depression.

Misuse of drugs or alcohol can increase the number of episodes in people with bipolar disorder of any kind. A dual diagnosis, or having both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, necessitates assistance from a specialist who can handle both problems.

“Unspecified” or “other specified” bipolar disorder: The terms “unspecified” or “other specified” bipolar disorder (previously known as “bipolar disorder not otherwise specified”) are now used to refer to conditions in which a person only exhibits a small number of the mood and energy symptoms that characterize a manic or hypomanic episode, or in which the symptoms may not last long enough to be considered as distinct “episodes.”

What Causes ADHD?

Around 1-3% of kids have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comorbidity with a wide range of psychiatric diseases, developmental and learning issues, and both is very high. Although there isn’t a single risk factor that causes ADHD, and non-inherited variables also play a role in its genesis, the disorder is very heritable. The neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric outcomes that the implicated genetic and environmental risk factors seem to be linked to include more than simply ADHD.

According to the available data, both uncommon and numerous common genetic variations are likely to contribute to ADHD and alter its phenotypic. Additionally, very low birth weight, premature, and adversity-exposed children tend to be more likely to have ADHD or a related phenotype.

Like other prevalent medical and mental conditions (such as schizophrenia and asthma), ADHD is influenced by a number of genes, non-inherited variables, and their interactions. 5 ADHD has multiple causes, and being exposed to a risk factor does not guarantee the development of the illness. This implies that a risk factor will only be seen in a certain percentage of cases and will also be present in healthy individuals. Additionally, risk factors that affect ADHD’s course and consequences may not always be the same as those that contribute to the disorder’s origins.

The fact that genetic and environmental factors can interact to produce indirect risk effects adds another layer of complexity. Gene-environment interactions, such as those caused by environmental pollutants or psychosocial hardship, can cause changes in susceptibility to environmental dangers. Additionally, inherited variables can affect the likelihood of being exposed to specific environmental dangers. This means that the impacts of hereditary and environmental risk factors cannot be completely separated.

Diagnosis And Symptoms

Many kids could struggle to sit still, wait their time, pay attention, not fidget, and not act impulsively. The difference between normal children and those who fulfill diagnostic criteria for ADHD is that the latter group’s symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and/or inattention are markedly worse than those that would be normal for their age or stage of development. Significant discomfort as well as issues at home, at school, or work as well as in interpersonal interactions result from these symptoms. Not being able to understand tasks or directions or being disobedient are not the causes of the symptoms that have been seen.

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ADHD comes in three primary forms:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation.
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.
• Combined presentation.

A diagnosis is made based on the existence of enduring symptoms that have developed over time and have been apparent over the previous six months. Although ADHD can be identified at any age, this illness first manifests in young children. The symptoms must have been bothersome in more than one setting and have been present before the person is 12 years old when the diagnosis is being made. For instance, the symptoms may appear somewhere else at home.

Adults And ADHD

Numerous kids with ADHD will continue to satisfy the criteria for the condition as they age and may manifest impairments that call for continuing therapy (Pliszka, 2007). However, occasionally a childhood ADHD diagnosis is overlooked. Many adults with ADHD are unaware that they are affected. The use of adult rating scales or checklists, a medical exam, and a review of previous and present symptoms are all common components of a thorough examination.

Adults with ADHD may receive therapy, medication, or both types of treatment. Support from close relatives as well as behavior management techniques like measures to reduce distractions and improve structure and organization might be beneficial.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act recognize ADHD as a disability (ADA). As a result, organizations that receive federal support are not allowed to discriminate against people with disabilities. People with ADHD symptoms who are impaired at work may be eligible for reasonable work accommodations under the ADA.

What Is Schizophrenia And Schizophrenia Symptoms?

Schizophrenia alters your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You might experience it in a different way than someone else. Even the symptoms can change over time. Nobody ever possesses all of them.

Typically, they begin between the ages of 16 and 30. Men frequently get them before women do. Before overt symptoms appear, the person frequently gradually changes. The prodrome phase is another name for this.

Schizophrenia sufferers struggle to distinguish between actual and false beliefs when the illness is advanced and symptoms are severe. As they age, this happens less frequently.

Typically, those who have the illness are unaware of it until a doctor or counselor informs them. They won’t even be aware that there is a significant problem. If they do experience symptoms, such as difficulty thinking clearly, they may attribute them to stress or fatigue.

Speak to a doctor or counselor if you’re worried that you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia.

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Schizophrenia Symptoms: What Are Schizophrenia Positive Symptoms?

Positive symptoms are wildly exaggerated thoughts, perceptions, or behaviors that reveal the person can’t distinguish between real and unreal. The term “positive” in this context refers to the presence of symptoms rather than their absence. They may consist of:

Delusions: Most people find these beliefs strange, and it is simple to disprove them. The person affected might think someone is trying to control their brain through TV or that the FBI is out to get them. They might think they have superpowers or that they are someone else, such as a well-known actor or the president. Delusion types include:

• Persecutory Delusions The impression that someone is stalking, hunting, framing, or tricking you.
• Reference Hallucinations When a person thinks that a message intended specifically for them is being sent through public mediums like song lyrics or a TV host’s gesture.
• Somatic Illusions These focus on the human body. The person believes they have a dreadful illness or strange health issues, such as skin worms or cosmic ray damage.
• Erotomania Delusions A person can think their lover is cheating on them or that a famous person is in love with them. They might also believe that others who aren’t attracted to them are after them.
• Religious Illusions It’s possible for someone to believe they have a special connection to a deity or that they’re under the control of a demon.
• Grandiose Delusions They see themselves as a prominent player on the global stage, much like an actor or a politician.

Hallucinations: Schizophrenia patients may experience things that others are unable to hear, see, smell, or feel. Schizophrenia can cause a variety of hallucinations, including:

• Auditory The person hears voices in their head the most frequently. They may be demanding action because they are impatient or irritated. There may be one or several voices heard. They could be furious and demanding, or they could whisper or mumble.
• Visual Someone may notice patterns, objects, people, or lights. It’s frequently family members or friends who have passed away. They might also have issues with distance and depth perception.
• Gustatory and Olfactory Good and terrible tastes and odors can be included in this. Someone might decide not to eat because they think they are being poisoned.
• Tactile This gives the impression that your body is being moved by hands or insects.

Confusion In The Mind And In Speech: Schizophrenia patients sometimes struggle to organize their thoughts. When you speak to them, they might not be able to follow along. Instead, they can appear to be dozing off or preoccupied. They sometimes speak incoherently and with unclear sentences.

Having Trouble Focusing: For instance, when watching a TV show, someone could become disoriented.

Movement Disorder: Some individuals with schizophrenia may appear jittery. There are occasions when they repeat the same movements. However, on occasion, they would remain motionless for hours on end, a condition known as catatonia. Contrary to popular opinion, those who have the illness typically don’t behave violently.

Schizophrenia Symptoms: What Are Schizophrenia Negative Symptoms?

Negative symptoms describe a loss or absence of regular mental activity, including thinking, acting, and perceiving. You may observe:

Struggling With day-to-day Necessities: They might cease taking care of themselves, like taking a bath.

Lack of Enjoyment: The person might no longer appear to appreciate anything. An expert will refer to this as anhedonia.
difficulties speaking. They might not express their emotions or speak much. This is what medical professionals refer to as an analogy.

Flattening: A person with schizophrenia could appear to be extremely depressed. They sometimes have a flat, emotionless voice when speaking. They might not respond to discussions or events around them with their typical smile or facial expression. This is what a doctor could refer to as emotional flatness.

No Action Taken: Schizophrenia patients have problems sticking to a schedule or completing tasks. Sometimes they are completely unable to begin. A doctor might refer to this as an avolition.

Withdrawal: This can entail ceasing to make arrangements with friends or become reclusive. Talking to them can be like wrangling with a stubborn person; you have to fight hard to get an answer. Doctors refer to condition as indifference.