Question

A family member asks you to explain bipolar disorder and how their loved one got it. How would you address?

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder is also known as maniac and depressive disorder .
It is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression in the same patient at different times.

So, the symptoms of the disease will depend on whether the patient is in the maniac state or in the dispersion state

In the maniac state ,the patient will have reduced sleep ,excessive thought, excessive speaking, restlessness ,excitement increased sexual drive ,alcohol abuse and inability to concentrate .

In the depressive episodes the patient will have sadness ,uncontrollable crying, low energy ,reduced appetite, decreased interest in everything, reduced speaking.

The exact cause for bipolar disorder is not known. It may be because of genetic or environmental causes.

In a patient who is is having an underlying mental disorder it can precipitate due to some sudden mental trauma ,reduced sleep alcohol ,pregnancy and other hormonal imbalances. so you will have to find out what is the triggering cause and should avoid the trigger and also treat the patient with mood stabilizers.
If the patient is responding well to the treatment and the episode was acute or abrupt and the clinical features were typical as said above, the patient has a good prognosis.