Individuals experiencing 4 seasons in one day...

Stating that bipolar disorder is a disorder that can usually be easily diagnosed by clinical examination, Psychiatrist Prof. Tarhan stated that these individuals can experience 4 seasons in one day. Tarhan expressed that "Individuals who have had manic episodes at a young age may develop a type of dementia called frontal dementia in later ages. In this case, memory is usually preserved; however, behavioral changes and character changes can occur."

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that "Recurrence of the disease is less common in intelligent individuals and people who successfully apply stress management. As age progresses, symptoms of the disease may ease in some individuals."

President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the subject of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar temperament disorder

Noting that bipolar disorder is defined as bipolar disorder or bipolar temperament disorder in Turkish, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that "It falls into the category of mood disorders. Psychiatric disorders are divided into two main groups: thought disorders and mood disorders. Bipolar disorder is a state between two extremes in emotions. The person alternates between manic and depressive episodes, that is, mood and mood swings. Interestingly, this disorder was first described in Türkiye and played an important role in the establishment of Kayseri Gevher Nesibe Hospital. Lithium has been detected in the waters of the hot springs there. Lithium is the main drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and is considered the gold standard. This drug was found there, and the hospital developed it on the basis of this discovery. This information has also entered the literature."

Lithium is produced today

Stating that lithium is produced today, Prof. Tarhan said that "However, people used to go to that region to drink healing waters since it was found naturally at that time. When these waters were investigated, light metal salts were detected, especially lithium. Lithium is used in batteries at high rates today, but this salt, which is found in nature in low doses, can be used for therapeutic purposes."

Stating that this drug plays a very important role in preventing the recurrence of the disease, Prof. Tarhan said that "It may not be sufficient in the acute period, but its use in the protective period is very useful. Of course, this drug is a drug that must be used under the supervision of a physician. Like all drugs, it controls and cures the disease when used correctly, and it can cause harm when used incorrectly."

Bipolar disorder is seen at a rate of 5 percent in the population

Stating that "Bipolar disorder is the most common disease group in the world after depression. Bipolar disorder is seen at a rate of 5 percent," Prof. Tarhan also gave the following information:

"So, approximately 5,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with bipolar in a city of a hundred thousand people. If bipolar disorder is considered a spectrum disorder, there are also mild and low-severity subtypes. Thus, 5 percent is a quite high percentage. Depression, on the other hand, is usually seen at a rate of 17 percent in a society. Major depression is a common disorder. Bipolar is seen at a rate of 5 percent, and schizophrenia at a rate of eight per thousand. In bipolar disorder, subthreshold bipolar cases are also present. For example, a person may show emotional changes, such as experiencing four seasons in one day. In the morning one may love their child, and in the afternoon, they may say, ‘Why did I give birth to you?' If this condition becomes persistent and becomes a temperament, it is called a cyclothymic temperament, and these people may be prone to bipolar disorder."

It causes mood swings

Stating that in bipolar disorder, while the person is normally fine, they experience mood swings in certain periods of life, Prof. Tarhan said that "If these mood swings last more than four days or more than seven days, they may receive different diagnoses. In adolescents, these mood swings can be diagnosed even when the duration of these mood swings is 24 hours."

Emotional hyperactivity increases during the manic period

Noting that bipolar disorder shows a periodic change and has two main ends, manic episode and depressive episode, Prof. Tarhan stated that "In the manic period, emotional hyperactivity increases, energy increases and the person may be overly excited. During this period, the amount of conversation increases, the person turns to things that give excessive pleasure, and one engages in behaviors such as shopping and spending money. Due to the increase in energy, the person is constantly on the move, the need for sleep decreases, and they can make big and risky decisions. During manic periods, the flow of thought accelerates, transitions from subject to topic occur, and attention is distracted. The person's self-esteem increases and behaviors such as excessive interest, attachment or falling in love can be seen. In addition, it may be possible for the person to exhibit behaviors that do not comply with their moral norms and may cause regret. After the manic episode, the person's functionality decreases. There may be problems such as coming to work late or decreased productivity. This period can sometimes be associated with substance use."

During the hypomanic period, there may be problems in relationships and at work

Stating that in the hypomanic period, which is a mild form of the manic period, the person's speech increases, the need for sleep decreases; however, there is no detachment from reality and the effects are generally milder, Prof. Tarhan said that "In the hypomanic period, the person usually continues their daily functions, but there may be problems in relationships and work."

It is affected by seasonal changes!

Noting that bipolar disorder can be affected by seasonal changes and show various cycles, Prof. Tarhan stated that "Bipolar disorder may change seasonally in some people. In seasons such as spring and autumn, and symptoms may become more pronounced. Rapid-cycle bipolar disorder may occur in some individuals. In this case, the person experiences manic and depressive episodes several times a year, even seven or eight times. During the manic phase, a person may engage in overly energetic, enthusiastic, and risky behaviors. During these periods, 'anger mania' can also be seen. In this case, the person may be angry, irritable and quarrelsome, but during this period there is an emotional escalation in the direction of anger, not joy. In so-called mixed mania, the person gets angry, yells, and generally exhibits a negative mood."

Collapse occurs during the period of depression

Pointing out that the person usually experiences collapse, stagnation and lack of joy during the depression period, Prof. Tarhan stated that "The ability to enjoy life decreases, interest and desire disappear. During depressive episodes, there may be changes in sleep pattern. In some people, sleep may increase, while in others it may decrease. Changes in appetite, excessive activity or excessive introversion may occur. Decreased energy, fatigue, feelings of guilt and worthlessness become evident. Difficulty concentrating may be experienced and suicidal thoughts may increase. The person may question the purpose of survival and thoughts of death may come to the fore."

Diagnosis can be easily made by clinical examination

Stating that bipolar disorder is a disorder that can usually be easily diagnosed by clinical examination, Prof. Tarhan expressed that "However, it is important to determine its subtypes for the right treatment plan. Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical signs and subtypes. Recently, there have been advances in brain imaging techniques, but traditional methods such as MRI may not always provide sufficient information."

Frontal dementia can develop at an advanced age

Stating that "Individuals who have had manic episodes at a young age may develop a type of dementia called frontal dementia later in life. In this case, memory is usually preserved, but behavioral changes and character changes may occur." Prof. Tarhan added that "These people may tend to marry someone younger than their peers or exhibit inappropriate behavior in public. Sexual behaviors may increase. They can take off their top or their pants when they are in a crowd..."

There is a genetic predisposition

Stating that bipolar disorder has a genetic predisposition but is not 100 percent hereditary, Prof. Tarhan said that "If a parent has bipolar disorder, the probability of the child experiencing this disorder increases 4-8 times. If both parents have bipolar disorder, this probability can rise to more than 50 percent. Genes associated with serotonin and dopamine enzyme activities (5-HTT and COMT) are used to determine genetic predisposition. Deviations in these genes are important for assessing genetic risks and guiding the treatment process. We can now investigate and look at these two genes. If we look at it and there are deviations in those genes compared to normal, we keep the treatment strict. There is a genetic predisposition to the disease.”

Psychological resilience and social support

Prof. Tarhan noted that psychological resilience and social support are critical in preventive treatment and prevention strategies in diseases such as bipolar disorder, and that it is important to adopt a holistic approach by considering the psychological and social needs of individuals as well as medical treatment.

Recurrence is less common in those who are intelligent and manage their stress...

Stating that bipolar disorder patients are usually kept under follow-up for two to five years, Prof. Tarhan concluded his remarks as follows: "If there is no recurrence during the treatment process, the drug can be discontinued. It does not require lifetime use. Recurrence of the disease is less common in intelligent individuals and people who successfully implement stress management. As age progresses, symptoms of the disease may ease in some individuals."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)