In 2017, 76 lakh people had bipolar disorder in India (The Lancet) but Indians are ignorant about mental health due to the stigma and prejudice against mental illness. Terms such as “Psycho”, ” Pagal” or “Mentally retarded” are used for people suffering with mental health problems. People prefer to take treatment from physician or neurologist for mental health illness and avoid psychiatrist. Many a times they waste crucial time in taking advice from faith healer/ religious preacher or non psychiatrist.
Famous Bollywood celebrities with Bipolar Disorder
- Yo Yo Honey Singh : He is an Indian music composer, rapper , pop singer, producer lyricist and film actor. He ruled the Bollywood music industry with his energetic rap numbers. Some of his hit tracks are ‘Dope shope’, ‘Aata Majhi Satakli’, ‘Lungi Dance’, and several other foot-tapping songs. In 2016, he was diagnosed with Bipolar mood disorder and got treated for the same. Currently, he is full functional with his peppy music and entertaining the world.
- Shama Sikander : She is an Indian actress and worked in many web series as well. She was showing symptoms like lethargy, nightmares, depression, and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She says that one has to take medicines to make sure the chemicals in our brains need to be balanced. Currently she is better and pursuing her career in Bollywood.
Other Famous Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder
- Mariah Carey
- Carrie Fisher.
- Bebe Rexha.
- Mel Gibson.
- Demi Lovato.
- Russell Brand.
- Brian Wilson.
- Kurt Cobain.
Mariah Carey: “Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love.”
What is Bipolar Disease?
Bipolar Disease or Mood Swings is a condition in which people swings between periods of a very good or irritable mood (mania) and depression.
What are the Causes of Mood Swings?
The exact cause is unknown, but it can occur in families of people with Mood Swings. 1-2 per cent of the population suffers from mood swings over their lifetime. Mood Swings affects both men and women equally. It usually starts between ages 15 – 25.
What are the Types of Mood Swings?
1. Mood Swings type I have had at least one manic episode and periods of major depression.
2. Mood Swings type II has never had full mania. There are periods where there is high energy levels and impulsiveness but that is not as extreme as mania (called hypomania). These hypomania episodes alternate with episodes of depression.
3. Mild form of Mood Swings called cyclothymia involves less severe mood swings alternating between hypomania and mild depression.
What are the triggers of Mood Swings?
Triggers of a manic episode in people with Mood Swings:
1. Life changes such as childbirth
2. Medications such as antidepressants or steroids
3. Periods of sleeplessness
4. Recreational drug use
Dr. Rameez Shaikh – ” Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness and requires long term medication and counseling just like any other chronic illness like diabetes and hypertension. With proper treatment and guidance bipolar disorder can be successfully treated “
What are the symptoms of Mood Swings?
Symptoms A. Manic phase -last from days to months:
1. Easily distracted
2. Little need for sleep
3. Full of energy and restlessness
4. Full of self importance, full of new ideas and important plans
5. Poor temper control
6. Reckless behavior and lack of self control
7. Binge eating, drinking, and drug use
8. Sex with many partners (promiscuity)
9. Spending sprees
10. Very elevated mood
11. Poor judgement
12. Hyperactivity
13. Increased energy
14. Racing thoughts
15. Talking a lot
16. Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
17. Very involved in activities
18. Very upset (agitated or irritated)
These symptoms of mania occur with Mood Swings I.
In people with Mood Swings II, the symptoms of mania are similar but less in-tense.
B. Depressed phase of both types of Mood Swings:
1. Daily low mood or sadness
2. Feeling of hopelessness
3. Tiredness or lack of energy
4. Difficulty in concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
5. Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
6. Loss of self-esteem
7. Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyable
8. Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
9. Feeling pessimistic about everything
10. Avoiding friends or activities that was once enjoyable
11. Eating difficulties
12. Loss of appetite and weight
13. Overeating and weight gain
14. Thoughts of death and suicide
There is a high risk of suicide with Mood Swings. Patients may abuse alcohol or other substances like tobacco or opium, which can make the illness and suicide risk worse. Sometimes the two phases overlap. If Manic and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously , it is called as a mixed state.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh says that ” acceptance and willingness to change is the first step for the success of fighting back bipolar mood disorder”
1. Family medical history of Mood Swings
2. Recent mood swings and length of time of mood swings
3. Thorough examination to look for illnesses that may be causing the symptoms
4. Laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
5. Consult family members regarding patient’s behavior
6. Medical history of any medical problems and medications taken
7. Observation of behavior and mood Note that Drug use may cause some symptoms but does not rule out bipolar affective disorder. Drug abuse may be a symptom of Mood Swings.
What is the treatment of Mood Swings?
Periods of depression or mania reappear in most patients, even with treatment. The main goals of treatment are to:
1. Avoid moving from one phase to another
2. Avoid the need for a hospital stay
3. Help the patient function as well as possible between episodes
4. Prevent self-injury and suicide
5. Make the episodes less frequent and severe
6. Avoid alcohol or drug abuse as they may interfere with the medications given The Doctor may also look for any triggers which may cause the bipolar condition and any medical or emotional problems that might affect treatment.
The following mood stabilizers are usually used first:
1. Carbamazepine (Tegritol, Mazetol, Zeptol )
2. Lamotrigine (Lamez, Lamitor)
3. Lithium
4. Sodium Valproate (valproic acid) ( Alporate, valparin, Encorate)
Other drugs used to treat Mood Swings include:
1. Antipsychotic drugs and anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines) for mood problems
2. Antidepressant medications can be added to treat depression. Some people with Mood Swings are more likely to have manic or hypomanic episodes if they are put on antidepressants.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat the manic or depressive phase of Mood Swings if it does not respond to medication. ECT is the most effective treatment for depression not relieved with medications.
4. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses high-frequency magnetic pulses to target affected areas of the brain. It is most often used after ECT.
What are the complications of Mood Swings?
Complications: Stopping medication or taking it the wrong way can cause your symptoms to comeback, and lead to the following complications:
1. Alcohol and/or drug abuse
2. Problems with relationships, work, and financial needs of the family
3. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
What is the prognosis of Mood Swings?
Prognosis:
1. Mood-stabilizing medication can help control the symptoms of Mood Swings. However, patients often need support and help to take medication properly and to make sure that illness are treated as early as possible.
2. Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because the mania feels good. Stopping medication can cause serious problems.
3. Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. People with Mood Swings or think or talk about suicide need immediate emergency attention.
How is Bipolar Disease prevented?
Prevention: Family treatments that combine support and education about Mood Swings may help families cope and reduce the odds of symptoms returning. Programs that offer outreach and community support services can help people
who do not have family and social support.
Important support skills taught include:
1. Coping with symptoms that are present even while taking medications
2. Living a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep and staying away from recreational drugs
3. Learning to take medications correctly and how to manage side effects
4. Learning to watch for the return of symptoms, and knowing what to do when they return
5. Family members and caregivers are very important in the treatment of Mood Swings.
6. Getting enough sleep is very important in Mood Swings. Insufficient sleep can trigger a manic episode. Therapy may be helpful during the depressive phase.
7. A patient with Mood Swings cannot always tell the doctor about his or her state of the illness. Patients often have trouble recognizing their own manic symptoms.
8. Changes in mood with Mood Swings are not predictable. Patients, their friends, and family must know the risks of not treating Mood Swings.
Treatment & Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder at Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur
The treatment of Bipolar Mood Swings consists of two stages. Initially, it is important to treat the acute manic or depressive phase with a combination of medications and psychotherapy. When stability of mood has been achieved, then the next stage is to prevent a further relapse. This again is through either use of medications or psychotherapy (talking therapy) or both. Management of this condition is primarily led by the Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Rameez Shaikh at
Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur. Dr. Rameez Shaikh is also available at
Sadar,
Mominpura,
Pardi in Maharashtra and
Sausar,
Pandhurna and
Seoni in Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
This is quite interesting!
Dr. Rameez shaikh is extremely professional and expert psychiatrist for bipolar disorder in nagpur. He helped us to make free choice about medication. I have been taking medication and counseling from him since last 2 years and there is complete recovery. I want to thank him for guiding us through bipolar disorder. The reason why you should choose Dr. shaikh is because of his counseling skills for mood disorders. There was a time I took consultation from many doctors who just used to prescribe medication. There was improvement but my doubts was not sorted out and I felt like hopeless. Dr. Shaikh helped us through therapy and counseling for depression and mania as well. Thanks sir