In recent years, mood-related mental health disorders have become increasingly common and can occur at any age. Contributing factors include external influences such as upbringing and accumulated work-related stress, as well as internal factors like genetic predisposition.
This leads to an important question:
Is bipolar disorder, also known as a bipolar mood disorder, dangerous to oneself or to others?
Related Topics
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What is bipolar disorder?
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What causes bipolar disorder?
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How many phases or episodes does bipolar disorder have?
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How serious or dangerous is bipolar disorder?
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Treatment for bipolar disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar mood disorder, is a mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Individuals with this condition experience two opposite mood states, including:
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Manic episodes (Mania) – unusually elevated, energetic, or irritable mood
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Depressive episodes (Depression) – persistent sadness, loss of interest, or low energy
These mood changes may significantly impact daily life, relationships, and work performance.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is believed to result from a combination of multiple factors, rather than a single cause. Common contributing factors include:
1. Genetic Factors
Individuals who have family members, especially first-degree relatives, with bipolar disorder or other mood-related mental illnesses are at a higher risk.
2. Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Imbalance
An imbalance of brain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and other chemical messengers, may affect mood regulation, leading to alternating episodes of abnormally elevated mood and depression.
3. Psychosocial Factors
Stressful life events or emotional trauma—such as severe disappointment, loss, relationship problems, or physical illness—may trigger or worsen symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
How Many Phases or Episodes Does Bipolar Disorder Have?
(To be continued in the next section)
Manic Episode (Mania)
A manic episode is characterized by an abnormally elevated, euphoric, or irritable mood. Individuals may experience a significant increase in energy, become unusually active, and show rapid thoughts, excessive talking, distractibility, and poor judgment.
Common behaviors may include impulsive or inappropriate decision-making, such as excessive spending or engaging in risky activities without careful consideration.
These symptoms are often severe enough to cause problems in work, relationships, and daily life, and may pose risks to oneself or others.
Symptoms typically last for at least one week.
Hypomanic Episode
A hypomanic episode presents with symptoms similar to mania but is less severe.
The individual may function better socially and professionally, and the symptoms last for at least four days.
Depressive Episode
A depressive episode is marked by persistent sadness or low mood for most of the day, nearly every day. Individuals may experience loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep patterns, persistent fatigue, low energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
These symptoms significantly affect social functioning, work performance, and relationships, and persist for at least two weeks.
How Dangerous Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can be effectively treated, and many patients can achieve long-term stability with continuous treatment and proper adherence to medical advice.
However, without treatment, symptoms may worsen and lead to serious consequences, such as impaired work performance, relationship problems, increased risk of accidents, or harm to oneself or others.
Understanding, acceptance, and support from family members and people around the patient are essential in helping individuals receive appropriate care and manage the condition effectively.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Mental Health Services, 3rd Floor, Bangkok Hospital Rayong
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is medication, prescribed and managed by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist is responsible for diagnosing the condition, prescribing appropriate medication, explaining the illness and treatment plan, and providing guidance on self-care alongside medical treatment.
Treatment for bipolar disorder requires continuous medication use as prescribed, or until the doctor advises otherwise. It is crucial for patients to attend follow-up appointments regularly so that symptoms can be closely monitored and treatment adjusted as needed.
Without consistent treatment, there is a high risk of relapse, and symptoms may return more severely than before.
In some cases, psychiatrists may recommend psychotherapy in combination with medication. Psychotherapy can help patients manage stress, improve thought patterns and attitudes, and address internal emotional conflicts. It may also support family members and caregivers in understanding and coping with the condition.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar mood disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by alternating episodes of abnormally elevated or irritable mood (mania) and depressive mood. It was previously referred to as manic-depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can be effectively treated, and many patients can achieve long-term stability when they receive continuous care and follow medical advice.
However, if left untreated, symptoms may worsen and cause significant harm—affecting daily life, work performance, personal safety, and relationships with others.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it is strongly recommended to seek professional help at the Mental Health Center, 3rd Floor, Bangkok Hospital Rayong.
You may also contact BRH Happymind Clinic via LINE, which provides mental health consultation, education, and mental health assessments.
