By Nikita A. D. Quarcoo
Owing to the recent public episodes displayed by some celebrities, there has been an increase in the awareness of Bipolar Disorder, and GTV’s Breakfast Show explored details of the mental disorder with Medical Doctor and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur.
Experiencing mood swings for most people is a normal occurrence, but in the case of individuals plagued with Bipolar Disorders, their mood swings border on the extreme.
Dr. Newman Arthur shed more light on the highs and lows of their episodes, explaining what is termed a manic episode, ‘’where people with bipolar exhibit impulsive behaviour, euphoria, overzealous bursts of energy, engage in rampant spending sprees, engage in crime related activities, as well as some level of promiscuity’’, he noted
He also spoke about depressive episodes, which is the complete opposite of manic highs. With this, ‘’people with bipolar disorder experience Loss of energy, loss of interest, encounter sleep and eating problems, and experience suicidal tendencies’’.
Further, there is a high occurrence of suicide from men suffering from bipolar as compared to women with the disorder. Dr. Newman Arthur explained that men are more likely to use more effective means of killing themselves. Moreover, women tend to seek help and express their emotions often.
According to Dr. Newman Arthur, the effects of this disorder cause personal distress, impediments in their ability to perform daily tasks, damage to everything around them and a deviation from social norms. He said that they are unconscious of their episodes and are unable to control it.
There are different classifications of bipolar disorder according to Dr. Newman Arthur.
‘’There are biological factors where brain changes from neurochemicals found in the brain that are responsible for feelings and thought patterns cause bipolar disorder’’, the Doctor noted.
Genetic influence also plays a role because upon examination, there are markers that indicate people are likely to get the Bipolar Disorder if a close relative has a mental illness or bipolar.
He also touched on environmental factors where persons who have the underlying risk of bipolar disorder face certain triggers that induce stress.
He outlined some modes of treatment which can be categorized under physical, mental and spiritual which help control the disorder.
”Practices such as prayer, meditation and psychotherapy are great ways to control the disorder. It is a lifelong disorder albeit episodes can be managed’’, Dr. Newman Arthur advised.
He told the public not to blame people for their heightened emotions, but rather show them support to help deal with the issue.
“People with Bipolar need constant support and so cannot be left alone’’, according to Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur.