4 Things to Know About Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. It is a brain disorder in human beings which causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels. It also leaves a person unable to carry out day-to-day tasks. Sometimes the symptoms can be pretty severe and are very different from the normal mood swings that everyone experiences in their lives. This disorder leads to strained relationships, poor performance in the workplace and even suicidal tendencies. However, this can be brought under control and people with this disorder can lead full and productive lives. Here are some things you need to know about bipolar depression in case you have a family member suffering from it or a friend.
1. The possible causes of bipolar depression
Scientists studying bipolar depression have found out that one possible cause for bipolar depression could be genetics and that it runs in families. People with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. However, this is not certain as one pair of a twin can have it and the other could be normal. Scientists are still figuring out the possible relation between genes and environmental factors.
Another cause identified by scientists is the structure of the brain and its functioning. The prefrontal cortex in the brain of the adults suffering from bipolar disorder is smaller and also functions less than that of normal adults.
2. The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
People suffering from bipolar disorder suffer from mood episodes. They can be excited, angry and volatile at one point and be sad and depressed the next moment. Sometimes they can experience both states and this is called the mixed state. These symptoms are hard to diagnose as that of a serious mental illness and people can live with it without a cure for a lifetime.
