CONDITIONS

BIPOLAR DISORDER

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health issue that affects your mood and the way you think and feel. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterised by periods of extreme depression or extreme manic behaviour. Your emotions can go from disinterested, irritable and anxious to energetic and motivated in varying degrees of intensity. If you have bipolar disorder, it is important to seek treatment from a mental health professional like Dr Sebothoma.

People suffering from bipolar disorder typically experience:

• Moments of extreme euphoria
• Moments of increased manic energy
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Recklessness
• Talkativeness
• Moments of extreme sadness and depression
• Moments of severe fatigue and lack of energy
• Disinterest
• Restlessness and anxiousness
• Suicidal thoughts

Bipolar disorder can affect people in varying degrees. Some people may experience a manic episode that’s followed by a depressive episode, and this is known as bipolar I disorder.  In bipolar II disorder, you may have episodes of severe depression followed by mildly manic behaviour, or hypomania. People with cyclothymic disorder, however, experience regular cycles of manic and depressive episodes.

What might be done or needed?
The direct cause of bipolar disorder is not yet known; however, many mental health professionals believe the condition is linked to biology and genetics. The condition can impact your physical and mental wellbeing as well as affect your interpersonal relationships with those around you. It’s important to seek treatment from a psychiatrist like Dr Sebothoma for help with symptoms related to bipolar disorder.