I meet lots of people daily who have several misconceptions about mental disorder. Most of us don’t even know what is true or what is not?If you found someone suffering from bipolar disorder then make sure they have a proper treatment from the best psychiatrist in Delhi. I heard many times the myths of one of the most common mental disorder is Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia which leads to a stigma towards people living with mental illness, limiting their access to treatment and support. So, in this article, I will clear your misconception because it’s important for you to learn about the actual facts of bipolar disorder which will help you to overcome the problem.
Here
are few most common myths about the Bipolar disorder that you must
know:
Myth 1: Bipolar disorder is just mania
Bipolar
disorder is a mental health condition wherein a person experiences
phases of depression and mania.
Bipolar
disorder includes a wide-range of mood disturbances and diversions,
from mania and hypo-mania to depression and such.
Mania
is considered a state of elevated mood leading to severe disruption
in day to day activities, often involving some psychotic symptoms.
While Hypo-mania is similar, but not as intense or disruptive as
mania and depression is a state of persistent low mood and
significant decrease in energy as well as activity.
When
these symptoms are seen to be present for a specific period of time,
they are termed an ‘episode’. A person with Bipolar disorder can
experience one , or a combination of these mood symptoms during a
single episode.
Myth 2: There is only one type of Bipolar disorder
According
to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), there are currently
four types of Bipolar disorders, all distinguished by different
experiences and intensity of mood disturbances experienced:
Bipolar
I – manic episode
Bipolar
II – hypomanic and depressive episodes
Cyclothymic
Disorder – hypomanic and depressive symptoms
Bipolar
Disorder Not Otherwise Specified – bipolar-like mood disturbance
that does not fit the pattern of the other diagnoses.
Myth 3: Bipolar disorder is rare
The
annual years of healthy life lost per 100,000 people from bipolar
disorder in India has increased by 14.3% since 1990, an average of
0.6% a year. The three most debilitating mental and substance use
disorders in India during 2013 were depressive disorders, anxiety
disorders, and bipolar disorder respectively.
Myth 4: People who have Bipolar disorder are just moody
People
with Bipolar disorder do experience highs and lows, however these
mood swings are much different from normal day to day fluctuations we
all experience. The highs and lows in Bipolar disorder are way more
extreme, often occur out of context, can last for an unusually long
period of time. The experience can be very debilitating for the
patient, sometimes even requiring the patient to be admitted in the
hospital. The WHO estimates Bipolar disorder to be one of the leading
causes of disability in the world, and the lifetime risk of death by
suicide in Bipolar disorder is around 15 percent.
Myth 5: People with Bipolar disorder are manic all the time
Not
really. States of mania and hypomania are comparatively rare. Most of
the time, it’s more common for someone with Bipolar disorder to
experience depressive symptoms. In fact, because depressive episodes
are more common or frequent, it is a common occurrence for Bipolar
disorder to be misdiagnosed or misinterpreted as depression.
Myth 6: Mania can be fun, enjoyable, or lead to productivity
When
people are experiencing mania, have lots of energy, and can go
without sleep for long periods of time. While this might sound great,
mania can also be a very uncomfortable and unpleasant and
debilitating experience for the individual, since it comes with
symptoms of irritability, restlessness and feeling out of control.
During
a manic episode, people can sometimes take big risks or do things
impulsively which they otherwise wouldn’t do and this might have
damaging effects on their career or life in general.
Myth 7: Medication is the only treatment for Bipolar disorder
There
are various ways in which doctors can approach treatment for Bipolar
disorder. Medication is only one of the many ways. While medication
is often the first line treatment prescribed for Bipolar disorder,
however, many other forms of psycho-therapies such as cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and interpersonal
and social rhythm therapy have been shown to help minimize the
symptoms of bipolar disorder and reduce the risk of future episodes.
A
combination of psychological treatments and medication have the most
effective and enduring outcomes. Additionally, some self-help
strategies such as education, sleep hygiene, early warning signs,
symptom monitoring, meditative and reflective practices, and
maintaining good social support have also been found to be helpful in
mitigating the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Myth 8: There is an online or at home bipolar test that can be taken.
Not
true. In early 2000s, an at-home bipolar test was being sold over the
Internet. But the test only tells users whether their genetic makeup
puts them at higher risk of having or getting bipolar disorder. And
nothing about whether or not they are currently suffering from it.
The
bipolar test evaluates saliva samples for two mutations in a gene
called GRK3, associated with the disorder. But it can’t tell users
for sure.
The
correct way of diagnosing a disorder depends on a doctor taking a
careful patient history, asking about symptoms over time. A family
history of the disorder increases a person’s chances of getting it.
Myth 9: Bipolar disorder can’t be diagnosed until the individual is of age 18.
While
it is true that it’s more difficult to diagnose it in some people
than in others, because of varying patterns of the disorder, it is
definitely not required that the individual be of above 18 years of
age to be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.
And
typical childhood
behavior
—
such as having a tantrum and recovering quickly to go to a birthday
party — can also make it difficult to diagnose the condition in
children.
Even
so, the disorder may be present but not diagnosed until later, he
says. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the
median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years old (half are
older, half are younger).
Myth 10: People with bipolar disorder should not take antidepressants.
It
is often a matter of concern that some people who are depressed and
bipolar, if they take antidepressants
could
flip into a mania.
The
argument behind this is that the mood will be elevated too much and
mania will result. Although the concern has some validity, doctors
suggest, that does not necessarily mean you should always avoid
antidepressants. Sometimes, as research suggests, people need the
drugs, especially if the depression persists. It entirely depends on
the particular individual and the severity of symptoms shown.
Myth 11: For individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, all of their moods occur due to their condition only.
It
must be known that one part of the personality does not influence all
actions of an individual. For example, if a person is termed as
aggressive by his peers or family members, it does not mean that his
anger will always be erratic or irrational.
There
may be a genuine reason that justifies the person getting angry.
Likewise, people with bipolar do have moods and feelings not related
to their disorder. Any argument or misdeed should not be blamed on
the disorder alone. Bipolar disorder as a condition is treatable and
can be stabilised, and the cause for grievances and reactions can be
genuine.
Conclusion:
I
hope you guys are quite clear about bipolar disorder and the myths
about bipolar disorder.
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