Speaking of the bipolar problem in women, it is almost some phenomenon that is not unusual. This is because there are some innate bipolar disorder symptoms in females that have been over time superstitiously considered as normal attitudes which of course, given their socio-economic implications, might be wrong.
So, we will jump on considering some sort of questions like what causes bipolar disorder? what could be the reason for it?
Perceptively, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme changes in mood. It is also named manic depression. If the elevated mood is severe or associated with psychosis, it is called mania; if it is less severe and does not significantly affect functioning, it is called hypomania.
These shifts in mood can fluctuate from feelings of euphoria to those of deep sadness. They can impair your ability to function at work and in your personal life. To a certain breaking point, there are attitudes and thoughts that come with the swings in the mood and nature of the person with bipolar disorder.
Examples are highlighted below:
During periods of depression, the individual may experience crying and have a negative outlook on life and poor eye contact with others. The risk of suicide is high; over a period of 20 years, 6% of those with bipolar disorder died by suicide, while 30–40% engaged in self-harm.
Other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, are commonly associated with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Females
Symptoms are like signs or indications that someone is going through something or as contracted something like diseases or infections. Originally, these symptoms are discovered just by knowledge of them. But if these symptoms are due to drugs or medical problems, they are not diagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Other conditions that have overlapping symptoms with bipolar disorder include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder as well as many other medical conditions.
So, what are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in in women, ladies, and girls. Here are the bipolar disorder symptoms in females:
Rapid Cycling
Bipolar episodes can also be characterized by how quickly the episodes alternate. Rapid cycling is a pattern of bipolar disorder that occurs when you have at least four manic or depressive episodes within one year. The females are more prone to rapid cycling than men are. Rapid cycling is linked to increased rates of:
- depression
- suicide
- substance abuse
- anxiety
- hypothyroidism
Mania
Mania is a state of elevated mood. During manic episodes, you may feel very high-spirited, energetic, and creative. You may also feel irritable. You may engage in high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse or increased sexual activity.
You may spend money foolishly, make bad investments with your money, or behave in other reckless ways. Manic episodes can last for a week or longer. If you experience either visual or auditory hallucinations or delusions, these are referred to as psychotic features.
Under this condition or symptom, there are other various symptoms:
- Sleeplessness
- Lack of judgment
- Psychosis
- Hopelessness
- Irritability
Hypomania
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. During hypomanic episodes, you may feel elevated moods similar to those that occur with mania. These elevated moods are less intense than manic moods, though, and have less impact on your ability to function. Women are more likely to develop hypomania than men.
Depression
Depression is a state of extremely low mood. During depressive episodes, you may feel intense sadness with a significant loss of energy. These episodes last at least two weeks. Because of this, depressive episodes can cause severe impairment. Women are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than men.
Mixed Mania
In addition to separate manic and depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may also experience mixed mania. This is also known as a mixed episode. With a mixed episode, you may experience both manic and depressive symptoms daily for a week or longer. Women are more likely to experience mixed episodes than men.
Causes of the Bipolar Disorder in Women
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Genetics
Bipolar disorder is also closely linked to genetics (traits passed down from generation to generation), and people with a biological family member who has bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder themselves.
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Environment
Environmental factors can also play a part in the onset of the condition, like extreme stress or traumatic life events. Changes in sleep patterns, hormonal balance, substance use, medication, or significant changes in physical activity can also impact the onset of bipolar disorder.
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Hormonal Change
Periods of significant hormonal change, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and postpartum, are all times when women are at risk of having extreme symptoms of bipolar disorder. Pregnancy can make women especially vulnerable because some bipolar medications are not compatible with pregnancy.
Cure or Remedial Operations for Bipolar Disorder
- Medication, such as:
- antipsychotic medications
- mood stabilizers
- antidepressants, in some cases
- Psychotherapy, such as:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- family-focused therapy
- Self-management Strategies, such as:
- education on the condition
- learning to recognize the early symptoms of an episode
- Complementary Therapies, such as:
- exercise
- meditation
- self-care, such as getting consistent quality sleep
TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
Below are the several types of bipolar disorder which you might not know:
- Bipolar I disorder: With this type, you have extreme erratic behavior, with manic “up” periods that last at least a week or are so severe that you need medical care. There are also usually extreme “down” periods that last at least 2 weeks.
- Bipolar II disorder: With this type, you also have erratic highs and lows, but it isn’t as extreme as bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This type involves periods of manic and depressive behavior that last at least 2 years in adults or 1 year in children and teens. The symptoms aren’t as intense as bipolar disorder I or bipolar disorder II.
