How should the relatives behave?

Relatives such as family members or life partners should ideally be involved in the treatment of the bipolar disorder. It is especially important to deal with the bipolar disorder and to develop an understanding of the manias and depression. This makes it easier to stand by the side of the affected person and to ensure that he or she is shielded from stimuli, e.g. to ensure that a manic patient gets sufficient sleep. In case of a critical assessment of the affected person, the relatives should contact the treating physician. In depressive phases it can help to talk to the patient.

What degree of disability is there in a bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is the fifth most common cause of disability in the age group of 14 to 45 years, as it can severely impair the quality of life of affected persons through concentration disorders and changes in emotional state. If a bipolar disorder is present, those affected can apply for recognition of a disability. The degree of disability is determined according to the principles of care medicine and can therefore vary from person to person.

Prognosis and healing of the bipolar disorder

The bipolar disorder can greatly deteriorate the quality of life of affected individuals. It can be treated well with a good medication regimen, but it cannot be cured. The prognosis differs depending on the present form of the disease or the type of bipolar disorder.

With rapid cycling or mixed types the prognosis is often worse than with type 1 or type 2 disorders. This is due, among other things, to the simultaneous occurrence of depressive moods and manic, increased drive. This leads to more frequent relapses and suicide attempts.

Overall, life expectancy in bipolar disorders can be shortened by up to 9 years – mostly as a result of suicide. Two out of three people affected are no longer able to participate in working life. Nevertheless, the prognosis has to be considered individually and can take different forms.

Is it okay to drink alcohol with a bipolar disorder?

Although alcohol is not prohibited in the presence of a bipolar disorder, it often worsens the course of the disease. The risk of alcohol dependency is increased by a factor of five to twelve in the case of bipolarity, which is why doctors often advise against alcohol.

Diagnostic criteria of a bipolar disorder

To make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the diagnostic criteria of depression and mania must be met. If depression is already known to exist, the diagnosis must be changed to bipolar disorder at the first appearance of a manic phase. A diagnosis of mania is made when the main symptom and at least three additional symptoms last for more than a week, and other psychological causes have been excluded.

Main symptom: additional symptoms: Other symptoms may include delusions of grandeur and hallucinations. For example, the sufferer thinks that all the people in the world would envy him for his success. – a situation- inappropriate abnormally high mood (euphoria) or irritable mood

Enhanced drive
Lack of desire to sleep
Distractibility
Excessive optimism
Increased self-esteem
Increased talkativeness, urge to speak
Constant change of ideas, many different ideas (flight of ideas)
Futile expenditure
Loss of social inhibitions, reckless behaviour
Libido enhancement
Increased appetite

Main symptoms: These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks for a depression to be diagnosed: depressed mood, loss of interest, lack of drive

Depressed mood, loss of interest, lack of drive