The psychiatrist urged not to mask a bad temper for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is often ironically attributed to inconsistent behavior. "Bipolar" has become a common expression to help explain character oddities. Using the term in a frivolous context negates the severity of the diagnosis, says Timur Syunyakov, chief specialist of the International Scientific and Educational Center for Neuropsychiatry at SamSMU. He told Izvestia on May 5 about the symptoms and diagnosis of the disease.

"The main symptoms of bipolar disorder include cyclical mood changes that can manifest as euphoria or depression. Energy and motivation levels can also fluctuate. So, if a person experiences sudden mood changes, impulsive behavior, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and then everything gives way to depression and apathy, this may be a signal of the presence of bipolar disorder," he explained.

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The psychiatrist added that people often flaunt using the term "bipolar disorder" or "bipolar disorder" in an ironic context. Many people are seriously beginning to suspect that they have this disorder, based on information from social networks or public publications. But in practice, real bipolar disorder occurs in about 1% of them.

"Although most of the conditions in patients with this diagnosis are depression, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires at least one episode of mania or hypomania that lasts at least a week. Such conditions cause discomfort in a person's life, sometimes very significant, and are often noticeable to loved ones. At the reception, the doctor conducts a conversation and uses special tests," the expert said.

In addition, bipolar disorder has a significant genetic predisposition. For example, if one twin is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the probability of its occurrence in the second twin is about 50%.

At the same time, Syunyakov urged not to mask a bad temper behind bipolar disorder.

Earlier, on April 24, Galina Smirnova, an endocrinologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia that those who experience drowsiness and decreased mood will benefit from gentle physical activity, light nutrition with sufficient vitamins, and adherence to sleep patterns. The expert clarified that urban residents are particularly susceptible to spring asthenia due to high workload and stress.