In an interview on "Magandang Gabi Dok" on DZMM, Dr. Bernadette Manalo-Arcenas said bipolar disorder is a disorder wherein the patient suffers extreme changes in moods.
"'Pag sinabi mong bipolar, ups and downs extremes, para siyang South and North Pole apart," she added.
Symptoms of this disorder include being in a hyperexcited state, speaking rapidly, being argumentative, lack of goal-directed activity, lack of concentration, and extreme mood changes.
Bipolar disorder can be detected during late adolescence or early adulthood, when the person starts to discover the world and experience problems.
According to Arcenas, a person with bipolar disorder changes moods within minutes, unlike those people who are just plain moody.
"Minsan sa gabi hindi sila nakakatulog. They feel na parang hindi kailangang matulog. Madami silang gustong gawin pero hindi natatapos... They're very much interested sa mga pleasurable activities," she added.
Those with bipolar disorder also tend to do a lot of things at the same time.
"At times they would have a lot of relationships all at the same time or they would go shopping one to sawa or minsan makikita mo na parang ang dami nilang ginagawa tapos they would be frustrated kasi hindi naman natatapos," Arcenas said.
Studies show that bipolar disorder can be genetic. For Arcenas, bipolar disorder is also a biological problem involving the levels of dopamine and serotonin in a person's brain, causing the changes in moods.
Bipolar disorder can be treated through medication and therapy.
"Nagagamot naman siya sa pagbigay ng mga antipsychotic medications at nagbibigay tayo ng mood stabilizer," Arcenas said.
Bipolar disorder may only need three to six months of treatment. Those in the acute stage, on the other hand, may need at least two years of treatment.
Those with more severe symptoms might need to take medicines and undergo therapy for a longer time.
For Arcenas, hyperactivity connected with bipolar disorder is different from hyperactivity caused by ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
"Magka-link sila at usually ito 'yung nagiging problem sa diagnosis kasi hyper din 'pag ADHD ang pasyente so kailangan talaga ma-tease out ano ba ang mas mataas, ang mood problems or 'yung attention kasi magkaiba 'yun," she said.
Bipolar disorder can also be linked to depression, which is a state of prolonged sadness and lack of motivation.
While depression and bipolar disorder may share symptoms, Arcenas clarified that suffering from depression is only one part of being bipolar as they tend to go from depressed to hyper in a short time.
Arcenas explained that those suffering from bipolar disorder or other mood disorders should not hesitate from talking to a psychiatrist.
She also advised patients not to stop from taking medicine unless instructed by their doctors.
People who have relatives and family members suffering from bipolar disorder should also be more patient and understanding.
"They have the right to be treated. Marami naman tayong ospital all over the country na makatutulong. Seek help para magamot ang pasyente. Hindi sila magagamot sa pagkadena lang. Kailangan talaga silang ayusin, gamutin and they will live a better life," Arcenas said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
