Bipolarity or “mood swings”: how to tell the difference?

We all have days with and days without. But when should you worry about mood swings? Psychiatrists have answered this question for Daily Mail. They believe that there are three main characteristics that distinguish bipolar disorder from mood swings.

Mood swings or bipolarity: a question of symptom severity

First, psychiatrists consider the severity of symptoms as an indicator. For them, bipolar disorders are characterized by very significant mood changes. Dr Guy Goodwin, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Oxford University, outlines the symptoms during hypomanic phases: “patients talk a lot, they may be very active, not sleep much and feel overconfident“If this mood change persists, it can develop into a manic phase.”They take risks they wouldn’t normally take, adds this specialist. They may disconnect from reality, experience paranoia or hallucinations.”

At the other extreme, we find the depressive phases. They also have very intense symptoms. This may be a lack of interest in the things the person usually enjoys, fatigue, agitation, crying, eating disorders or withdrawal from social life. “If a bipolar person is in a bad mood, they may fall into a deep depression, where they are unable to function normally and may have recurring suicidal thoughts.”describes Dr. Goodwin.

Bipolarity: mood changes are long-term

The second major characteristic of bipolarity is the duration of these symptoms. The expert explains that patients experience these mood changes for several weeks: depressive episodes persist for at least two weeks, or even several months. Conversely, manic episodes occur for at least a week. Dr Sai Achuthan, a psychiatrist in Tauton, southwest England, says bipolar disorder is characterized by at least two episodes during which mood and activity are “ssignificantly disrupted”. “A typical manic episode lasts more than a week, and usually four to eight weeks, reminds himHealth Insurance. It often leads to the suggestion of hospitalization, to treat (or even protect) the sick person.”

Bipolarity disrupts everyday life

The persistence and extreme severity of symptoms have a significant impact on daily life. This is another characteristic of bipolar disorders: they do not allow you to maintain normal activity. “Bipolar people often do not have full cognitive control when experiencing mood swings, so they end up doing things they normally wouldn’t do and regret laterdevelops Dr Goodwin. This behavior can be extremely disruptive, for example, they may miss work if they are depressed or take impulsive and reckless risks if they are manic.“

Bipolar disorders: treatments and healthy lifestyle to limit symptoms

Mood swings are regulated naturally, but bipolar disorder must be treated. Medications help stabilize mood. Health Insurance also recommends adopting an adapted lifestyle: minimal stress, physical activity, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and a regular pace.