More and more people are affected by this disorder also called “manic-depressive psychosis”.
On average, 10 years pass between the onset of bipolar disorder and the establishment of appropriate treatment. It is one of the most serious psychiatric illnesses: 1 in 2 patients will make at least one suicide attempt in their life and 15% will die by suicide according to the High Authority of Health. In France, between 1 and 2.5% of the population suffer from bipolar disorder. “Previously, at Sainte-Anne hospitalwe had a majority of schizophrenic patients. Today, we encounter a majority of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. More and more people are affected by this disorder also called “manic-depressive psychosis” without us having any real explanations” confesses the psychologist Nathalie Seigneur. Characterized by “a alternation dmanic access and D’depressive attack“it might be related to geneticsexcessive consumption of drugs or alcohol.
Symptoms of Manic Episode
- Excitement, agitation;
- Verbal logorrhea: abundant flow of words delivered quickly;
- Volubility: the person speaks a lot, very quickly and with ease;
- Euphoric mood: the patient sees life through rose-colored glasses;
- Excessive behavior;
- Flight of ideas: disordered thoughts;
- Precipitation;
- Interpersonal skills ;
- Hyperactivity.
Contrary to popular belief, mania is not part of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). “Mania in the psychological sense of the term here defines a manic person, who shows overwhelming agitation and euphoria. One hypothesis is that the manic episode is a phase of combating depression.” Concretely “A bipolar person who has serious insomnia problems may not feel tired. Another may waking up in the night with the desire to climb Everest when she is 50 years old and has never played any sport of her life. She can go so far as to get the equipment and spend her month’s salary in one day.”
Symptoms of Depressive Attack
During the depressive episode, a variety of symptoms characterize bipolar disorder:
- Feeling of inadequacy;
- Insomnia, sleep disorders;
- Distorted world view;
- Somatic symptoms;
- Appetite disorders, digestive signs;
- Decreased libido;
- Feelings of depreciation and self-blame;
- Difficulty thinking, carrying out an action;
- Difficulty getting up in the morning;
- High anxiety level, with a dark outlook on life;
- Suicidal risk.
“These signs are identified by a psychologist or a psychiatrist because they can be expressed differently.” relates Nathalie Seigneur.
The patient is not aware that he is not in his normal state
“In bipolar disorder, the symptoms are those of a psychosis, with an alteration of the link with reality, whether during the manic or depressive episode. In all cases, the patient is not aware that he is not in his normal state. He presents a denial total of these disorders. Between two phases, the person can have a contact with reality that is completely adapted.” Manic-depressive psychosis requires a neuroleptic treatment (or antipsychotic) during the manic phase or by antidepressants in the depressive phase to combat the symptoms. Without treatment, manic-depressive episodes develop over 6 months. “With neuroleptic treatment, an improvement is possible in about a month. Consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist complete the drug treatment of bipolar disorder. Sometimes, the patient must be placed under guardianship. Furthermore, if the risk of suicide is significant, the symptoms are severe and the person is alone, compulsory hospitalization is necessary in order to protect them.” concludes the psychologist.
Thanks to Nathalie Seigneur, psychologist.
