Ups and downs: The problem isn’t just low mood
It is natural for humans to have mood swings. One day we are happy, in a good mood, and another we may wake up sad or in a bad mood. However, when this oscillation becomes intense and persistent, the alarm signal goes off: peaks in mood and energy followed by moments of greater boredom and tiredness can be signs of mild forms of bipolar disorder. The disease can go unnoticed for years, because it is common for the family and the person himself to often justify certain behaviors (which are actually symptoms) by claiming that the mood swings derive from a “strong character” or that the energy fluctuations derive from “laziness”, leading to late diagnosis and treatment.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Naiayde Monte, a mood disorder specialist at USP, bipolar disorder does not always have explicit signs and is a brain disease characterized by instability of mood and energy levels and disposition. “The big problem is that when it comes to mood disorders everyone only remembers low mood (depression) but people who are considered multitaskers and
workaholics
they may actually be over-accelerated due to excessive brain activation. However, any engine that accelerates too much can overheat and stop working and after this excessive activation the brain enters the decelerated phase and the individual becomes depressed. At this moment he turns to treatment complaining of depression, but the previous moment of excessive mood, energy and activity was also not normal and it is precisely at this moment that the misdiagnosis occurs: the person is treated as if he were simply depressed while in reality he is has mood swings,” says the doctor. “There are different degrees of bipolar disorder and all, if diagnosed correctly, are treated,” says Dr. Naiayde, who reiterates that bipolar disorder is genetically determined, but can be triggered by situations stressors, life changes, traumatic experiences, use of drugs and/or antidepressants, medications, hormonal imbalance, among others”, concludes the psychiatrist.
SOURCE:
Dr. Naiayde Monte
Specialist in Mood Disorders, member of PROMAN (USP Bipolar Disorder Program) and of the ABRATA Scientific Committee. Founder, coordinator and preceptor of the Outpatient Clinic for Bipolar Disorder of the Medical Residency in Psychiatry at the University of Santo Amaro (UNISA/SP).
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
