In today's conditions, the variability of our mood varies with our lifestyle, and when evaluated with work and relationships, it can be reflected in different dimensions.

Expert psychiatrists' evaluations are important when considering the whole of what the individual experiences and sometimes cannot make sense with external observation.

Regarding the subject, Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. We consulted Fuat Torun and got his views on 'Bipolar Disorder'.

Bipolar mood disorder is also used under different names in our country. The most common of these are 'bipolar mood disorder' and 'manic depressive disorder'. As the name suggests, the mood of the person in this disease fluctuates between two extremes. These ends are depression and mania. When a person is depressed, they cannot enjoy life, they are unhappy, depressed, hopeless, desperate, and unwilling and losing interest in many activities they previously enjoyed. Is in a mania zamIn contrast to depression, the moment feels enthusiastic, energetic, overly happy, overly talkative and able to do many things, and engages in risky behaviors such as excessive spending and thoughtless sexual activity. A person with bipolar disorder may experience these two extremes, as well as intermediate forms such as 'hypomania' or mild depression.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Although the cause of bipolar disorder is not known precisely, it is known that the change of some biochemical substances in the brain of the person as well as environmental and psychological stress factors can cause the disease in individuals with genetic predisposition.

What Are The Treatment Methods Of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can now be effectively treated and patients can maintain their routine functionality. First of all, having enough information about the disease and recognizing the early warning signs that occur in the stages of the disease is perhaps the most important step of the treatment to prevent the disease from fully emerging. For example, insomnia triggers manic periods in many patients. When the patient understands his insomnia and talks to his physician, perhaps the manic attack will be prevented before it occurs. Apart from this, it is important for the patients to have information about the disease in the people with whom they live or work and to have a supportive attitude with the patient.

Today, the most effective treatment of bipolar disorder is done with drugs. The attacks are tried to be terminated with different drugs used at both ends. After the attacks are terminated, the patient's normal well-being is maintained with long-term mood stabilizer drugs. Avoiding situations such as alcohol and substance use that trigger attacks can also be protective. In addition, psychotherapy to be applied in these patients is also effective in reducing the frequency of attacks.

What is the Course of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents?

Understanding bipolar disorder can be very difficult, as children and adolescents may have ups and downs according to the age period. Therefore, there may be differences in the appearance of bipolar disorder in adults and the course of the disease. For this reason, the behaviors of children and adolescents start to force the families and if the families remain unsolved, it is beneficial to get help from the relevant specialist.

How Should Family Behavior Behaviors for Patients with Bipolar Disorder?

First of all, families must accept this disease in the person and develop appropriate behavior. It is important for the family and relatives to have information about the symptoms and signs of the disease, as well as to prevent possible negative behaviors and to intervene in the disease early. In addition, the family should be both guiding in the treatment of the patient and guiding the medication to be used. Families who are aware of the disease and follow its symptoms can better understand the motivation underlying people's behavior and help them.

Stating that especially for the adolescents and young age group, their families have important duties. Dr Fuat Torun added that they should be monitored correctly, paying attention to environmental factors and contributing to the course and treatment of the disease with the support of an expert.