• Published on: Sep 23, 2021
  • 9 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Bipolar Disorder Is? - Cause, Prevention, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Understanding what bipolar disorder is? - cause, prevention, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.

Generally, bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania (a period of abnormally elevated mood) followed by periods of depression. Bipolar patients may also experience symptoms that are not part of the manic or depressive episodes. These symptoms include various levels of anxiety, depression, psychosis and those who have been diagnosed as being schizo-affective can have periods where they feel euphoric as result of the psychotic episode with alternating mood swings from one episode to another between depression and normality.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder that causes an individual to experience periods of abnormally elevated moods (mania) and lows. People with bipolar disorder cycle rapidly in their moods, back and forth between mania and depression. Manic episodes are the hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder. With this condition, people can feel grand or persistent euphoria, pressure to keep talking and maintaining high energy levels for hours on end-sometimes without any sleep; rapid thoughts; rash decisions; inflated self-esteem; impulsiveness; risky behavior such as gambling away money that might lead to bankruptcy or drug use that could cause addiction problems like HIV or hepatitis C (the virus that also is associated with liver infection);

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in the person's moods now and then. The symptoms can include emotional highs (mania) with extra energy, working fast without resting, taking unnecessary risks (and often getting high), irritability or no desire to talk; followed by lows (depression) with low energy levels and feelings of hopelessness or despair. Bipolar symptoms can be tough to detect if you don't know what they are yet. But it's important to take bipolar symptoms seriously because not doing so could lead to dangerous behaviors such as gambling away your monthly food budget."

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes a person's mood to swing from one extreme to the other. People with bipolar disorder have episodes, or "mood swings," when their mood changes dramatically in a short period of time. In healthy people, the brain balances chemicals called neurotransmitters, which carry messages from one nerve cell to another. In bipolar disorder, however, there's an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters leading to mania and depression. As much as there are risk factors for each mood swing during an episode of bipolar disorder, experts don't know what causes this change in mental state.

A psychiatric diagnosis, bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings that can involve debilitating depressions or misleading mania. Bipolar refers to the cycling between manic and depressive states. The term "manic-depressive illness" was once used to name this condition. Today, however, it's referred to simply as "bipolar disorder". The extreme emotional highs and lows of bipolar I disorder usually stop with maturity-- most people eventually develop a level of self-awareness that helps them manage their moods more effectively as they enter into adulthood. Bipolar II is primarily characterized by periods of depression interrupted by short periods (days) of hypomania; this type has an increased likelihood of responding well to treatment options.

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness, characterized by abnormalities in the mood. Affected individuals suffer from episodes of depression punctuated with periods of relative normalcy.

When an individual has both manic and depressive episodes (which are classified as bipolar I), they do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with "major depressive disorder" unless or until they also have an episode that would classify them as either "manic" (or having major-depressive like symptoms). A person suffering only from depression (and no manic episodes) can, conversely, be diagnosed with "bipolar II".

Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic-depressive illness or manic depressive disorder, is a mental illness in which you have alternating periods of mania and depression. Mania can include psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The depressive phase may involve everything from low energy to thoughts of suicide.

The cause of the bipolar disorder isn't entirely known but it's likely a matter of abnormalities in brain chemistry that affect mood regulation and the self-control mechanisms for thinking about your actions vs. feelings when they take place. This includes the ability to make prudent decisions regarding impulse behavior when influenced by strong feelings like anger or elation or sexual desire--or by high levels of hormones that might occur in "roid rage."

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where mild to mid-level manic states are experienced, but the periods of depression are more numerous and longer in time. More so than in someone with unipolar depression, the antidepressants prescribed for bipolar must be continued at their prescribed dose without interruption to prevent cycles of mania or worsening depressive symptoms.

A person with bipolar disorder is usually not considered clinically depressed per se because he or she experiences an episode of mania before they become clinically depressed. When the manic episode ends, however, it's often not preceded by a period of high functioning as can happen in people dealing solely with unipolar depression. The lows may be lower since there are higher highs leading up to them.

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition in which people experience unusually intense emotions with periods of depression and mania that can last for weeks or even years. Affected individuals often have trouble functioning in the day-to-day world due to difficulties with concentration, motivation, memory, and decision making. A person's mood may go from bright to dark within only minutes -- yet there may be no seemingly apparent cause at all. Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2 million adults in the United States age 18 or older -- about 1% of the U.S population-- at some point during their lives.  

Bipolar disorder is a form of mental health disorder that affects moods. Long-term bipolar illness is typically characterized by oscillation between manic and depressive episodes, usually with at least one manic episode. This pattern does not respond well to short-term mood stabilizers, a month's worth of which could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars while failing to address the core issue. It responds very well to long-lasting anticonvulsants such as Depakote (Valproic acid) and Lamictal (Lamotrigine).

Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that causes extreme shifts in mood and energy that can include both depression and mania.  The cause of the bipolar disorder isn't exactly clear, but it seems like it is triggered by an interaction between some unknown factor (or factors) in your brain's chemistry, environmental stressors such as those mentioned earlier, genetic vulnerabilities, and life experiences.  All of these things interact with each other to produce bipolar symptoms- which can sometimes seem like they're acted out by someone else entirely. The person may snap from feeling okay with good-spirited and selfless to feeling high-strung or irritable or anxious.

There is no one thing that causes bipolar disorder. It might be talked about as the "bipolar spectrum" and those with milder forms of manic depression can be diagnosed as bipolar II or cyclothymic disorder.

The cause of bipolar disorder may vary from person to person and many people don't know what it is that triggers them, but there are a few common factors that play a role in how we experience our moods. These include genetics, family history, life stressors (like career changes or moving), and seasonal cycles. Although research has not yet pinpointed the exact cause for this mental illness it's believed that multiple triggers contribute to causing mania and depression episodes at random times.

This is one of the most common forms of mental illness in the United States. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of depression or low-energy states coupled with mood swings between elation and high-energy mania, which often involves impulsivity and obsessive behaviors.

Current research is looking at how genes interact with specific environmental factors, including stressful life events. Details on some of the leading theories are outlined below. Diabetes- Researchers think that there may be some type of interaction between diabetes and bipolar disorder because higher levels of certain proteins in the blood seemed to act as an early warning sign for the risk of getting both illnesses. The researchers believe that these types of biomarkers can help identify which child might later develop diabetes or bipolar disorder, so they could receive the appropriate treatments earlier on.

Heart Disease - Research has found people who have died from cardiovascular problems were nearly six times more likely than those without any cardiological disease to also have had a diagnosis for major depression and/or bipolar disorder.

There are many possible causes of bipolar disorder. It occurs due to an imbalance in the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. The disease is currently understood to result from a problem with how these two neurotransmitters communicate with one another. Most treatments focus on correcting this chemical dysfunction by balancing out the levels of serotonin and dopamine, and antidepressants work because they do just that. Bipolar disorder is a serious psychiatric condition in which mood fluctuates between periods of depression and periods of mania, or cycles through both states at the same time. Bipolar disorder is not the same thing as "being moody" - people with bipolar illness usually have one episode that sticks around for weeks to months where they may sleep all day because they're too tired from the night before when their mania was going strong.

A lot can contribute to developing bipolar disorder, from poor nutrition to hormonal changes after puberty, adverse drug reactions to medications like steroids taken by mouth, or steroids applied on the skin. There are many different manifestations of bipolar disorder, and these can range from manic episodes with severe changes in behavior to depressive episodes with low energy. In general, moods can be manic or severe depressions which might include psychosis.

It's not uncommon for bipolar disorder to present as something called "rapid-cycling". This describes a type of illness where people cycle between mood poles at a much faster rate than usual, often 4 or more times a day. For example, it may start first thing in the morning as high anxiety before going into rapid cycling mania through to the evening when feelings of depression spiral down into darkness before sleep brings relief from the hot torrents of their thoughts only to repeat again as morning light illuminates

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on the mood state of the person. Bipolar mood swings are defined by alternating between manic highs and depressive lows, with periods in which a person experiences normal moods in-between. People with bipolar disorder may also experience psychotic symptoms when they're in a manic phase. Examples include hallucinations or delusions. Additionally, mania often manifests as impulsivity, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, risky behavior, elevated sexual desire, or high irritability. The depressive phase is marked by low energy levels that can lead to thoughts of suicide or substance abuse. Insomnia and loss of appetite can also be present during this stage if it goes untreated;

Temporary mood swings to different poles of emotion - for example, feeling major depression followed by the opposite state of mania. Extreme highs are called manic episodes, while lows are termed depressive or down states. The swings can happen quickly or gradually over days, weeks, months or years. Temptations to carry out risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol excessively and having promiscuous sex for no reason other than to relieve feelings of unhappiness. This behaviour is not linked with pleasure but rather temporary relief from an intense internal discomfort that's being communicated through boredom or social isolation.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be broken down into four broad categories. People who are diagnosed with the disorder will experience symptomatic highs and symptomatic lows. Hallucinations, delusions, low self-esteem where they feel “dumb” or worthless; periods of time without sleeping; irritability or aggressive behavior during arousable phase;

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes people to have very negative, misinformed thoughts about themselves and their environment. Symptoms include: hallucinations (hearing voices and seeing things), paranoia (spreading false information), delusions (strong beliefs that cannot be swayed by reasoning)   For those who have been diagnosed with bipolar, prescribed medications may be used to help manage the condition. Antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment.

Psychotherapy is the other option for those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It can be used in combination with medications or on its own.

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for mental disorders because it's person-centered, meaning it's tailored specifically for someone, and usually involves meeting regularly with a trained professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist to talk about your treatment goals and work together towards them using techniques that best fit your needs. Medications are helpful when combined with psychotherapies, but they're not considered the primary form

The only medication that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar depression is quetiapine, but it may still be more effective in manic-depressives than in depressive phases. Drugs used to treat ADHD and some psychotic illnesses may help a small number of people with bipolar disorder, especially those with a significant degree of anxiety.

People with bipolar disorder may be treated with different medications. A class of drugs called mood stabilizers is often used to help people keep their moods “steadier”, though these drugs have had little or no effect on our long term outcome. It has been hypothesized that this lack of effect could be because the theory about mania and depression as related disorders might not be accurate, and that untreated depression may actually accompany bipolar disorder.

Most people who treat manic episodes (with mania) start their treatment by using lithium at a low dose, but if mania persists for more than a few weeks they will adjust the dosage up gradually until they find an amount that helps control it."

Treatment of bipolar disorder can come in many different forms. Some people may need medication to help reduce their highs and lows so they don't tip over into mania or depression, while others may find support groups helpful for similar reasons. For those who experience more than just mood swings, substance abuse is also a serious problem that should be addressed during treatment.

Psychotherapy can be used to deal with the physical issues that surround mental illness as well as help the person better understand how it impacts both themselves and those around them. Having an understanding of what causes these swings may not necessarily necessitate medication right away but in some cases will provide insights and coping strategies when in times of stress where withdrawal may otherwise occur.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which requires medication. There are various treatments considered for bipolar, including counselling, psychotherapy, support groups and mood stabilizers. Antidepressants are often used to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. Lithium is also an effective treatment for persons with bipolar disorder. Treatment is decided based on each individual. If a person has manic episodes that do not need to be slowed down, then they may take lithium or frequently alternate between lowering and raising doses of medication. If a person has both high- and low- intensity moods, fewer mood swings with the highs being less intense, also known as rapid cycling bipolar disorder, they may require a maintenance therapy in addition to their medications.

Reducing the frequency of bipolar episodes in people who have a higher intensity of mood swings can be achieved by taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The dosages for these SSRIs are far smaller than those used to treat depression because high levels of serotonin may induce unwanted

Generally, the first steps are to find an effective way to stabilize the mood, either through use of medication or lifestyle changes. There are four different medication classes used in treating bipolar disorder: mood stabilizers (usually lithium), antidepressants, antipsychotic medications and second-generation antipsychotics. The most effective treatment for Bipolar I is a combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics because they work on two different neurotransmitters that can be affected during different periods. For manic depression using only "happy pills" would seem like it should be enough but this may result in becoming too happy and not being able to sleep which will start having its own negative effects again anyways.

Read Blog
Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs: Building Community Wellness in India

Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs: Building Community Wellness in India

Community-driven health initiatives are becoming an essential part of India’s preventive healthcare movement. While medical technology, AI diagnostics and digital screenings strengthen clinical care, lifestyle habits still remain the foundation of long-term wellness. One powerful but simple community practice gaining popularity is the Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs.

These potlucks promote healthier eating, strengthen social support systems, and bring people together to learn about nutrition and wellness in an enjoyable and accessible format. SecondMedic’s preventive health framework aligns perfectly with this model by integrating health education, nutrition insights and early-risk awareness into community activities.

This blog explores how monthly healthy potlucks are transforming health hubs across India and supporting preventive lifestyle habits at scale.

 

Why Community Wellness Matters in India

India is witnessing a steep rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.
According to the ICMR-NCD Burden Study:
• Over 100 million Indians live with diabetes
• Heart disease accounts for nearly 28% of all deaths
• Hypertension is becoming prevalent across younger age groups

Simultaneously, NFHS-5 data highlights increasing obesity, poor dietary diversity and rising sedentary behaviour. These challenges signal not just medical issues, but lifestyle gaps.

Community-based wellness initiatives provide the social support and collective learning required to bridge those gaps.

 

What Is a Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs?

A Monthly Healthy Potluck is a wellness event where:
• Participants bring nutritious homemade dishes
• Recipes focus on balance, low oil and whole ingredients
• Everyone eats together and shares food philosophy
• Health experts provide short preventive care sessions
• Participants learn simple, realistic lifestyle habits

This model transforms health hubs into interactive wellness environments instead of passive medical facilities.

 

Why Healthy Potlucks Work

1. They Make Healthy Eating Enjoyable

Healthy meals often feel restrictive when practiced alone. In a group setting, they become exciting because:
• People discover new recipes
• Participants try dishes they wouldn’t normally cook
• Food presentation inspires creativity
• Everyone learns portion control naturally

2. They Promote Social Accountability

When people cook, share and learn together, they form supportive communities that motivate consistent lifestyle changes.

3. They Strengthen Nutritional Awareness

Nutrition education becomes simpler when demonstrated through real food instead of lectures.

4. They Align with Preventive Healthcare

NITI Aayog’s Preventive Health & Wellness Report highlights behavioural change as a key driver of long-term health improvement. Potlucks encourage achievable, small lifestyle shifts.

 

Components of a Healthy Potluck at SecondMedic Health Hubs

1. Balanced Dish Contributions

Participants are encouraged to bring nutrient-dense dishes such as:
• Millet-based meals
• Vegetable-rich Indian curries
• Lean protein options
• Low-oil tiffin-style foods
• Fermented dishes
• Fruit bowls and salads

This ensures variety, balance and education through real examples.

2. Nutrition Spotlights

Health experts share quick insights on:
• Portion control
• Glycemic index
• Healthy cooking oils
• Hidden sugars
• Smart plate design
• Hydration science

These micro-education sessions empower participants to make better decisions at home.

3. Preventive Health Mini-Screenings

SecondMedic integrates:
• BMI checks
• Blood pressure assessments
• Sugar evaluations
• Quick fatigue and stress scoring

These screenings help individuals understand their health status while encouraging early intervention.

4. Recipe Exchange Corners

Participants document and exchange easy-to-cook healthy recipes. This fosters a culture of shared learning and innovation.

5. Wellness Activities

Events may include:
• 5-minute yoga routines
• Breathing exercises
• Mindfulness techniques
• Movement challenges

These fun micro-activities teach participants how to incorporate wellness effortlessly into daily routines.

 

How Healthy Potlucks Support India’s Preventive Health Movement

Encouraging Long-Term Dietary Shifts

When individuals repeatedly attend monthly events, their meal choices gradually transform. Consistency builds habits.

Reducing Fear Around Healthy Cooking

Seeing others prepare simple, tasty, low-oil dishes removes the stigma that healthy food is bland or difficult.

Strengthening Social Connectivity

Community bonds reduce stress, loneliness and isolation-factors known to weaken immunity and increase chronic disease risk.

Improving Health Literacy

Real-time demonstrations outperform written instructions. It becomes easier to understand nutrient density, fibre-rich meals and balanced plates when they are visually presented.

Supporting Digital Health Ecosystems

SecondMedic integrates event data into digital dashboards:
• Meal analysis
• Health scores
• Lifestyle tracking
• Preventive alerts

This combination of offline community activity and online tracking strengthens long-term adherence.

 

Example of a Healthy Potluck Spread

• Moong dal khichdi with vegetables
• Ragi roti with garlic chutney
• Grilled paneer salad
• Millet upma
• Fruit and nut platter
• Sprout chaat with lemon
• Buttermilk infused with mint

These items are affordable, accessible and easy to prepare-ideal for the Indian lifestyle.

 

Conclusion

Monthly Healthy Potlucks at Health Hubs offer a simple yet powerful model for promoting preventive healthcare in India. These events blend nutrition, social bonding, lifestyle learning and community-led motivation. They encourage individuals to adopt healthier habits without pressure, restriction or complexity.

With SecondMedic’s integrated preventive care framework, these potlucks become more than social gatherings-they become catalysts for building healthier communities, improving dietary behaviour and supporting long-term wellness.

 

References

• ICMR NCD Burden Study - Lifestyle & Dietary Risk Factors in India
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Community Wellness Framework
• Lancet Public Health India - Impact of Community Nutrition Programs
• WHO Guidelines on Community Health Promotion
• Statista India Wellness & Healthy Eating Behaviour Report
• EY-FICCI Integrated Preventive Care Model for India

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic