Bipolar Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment in Turkey

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depressive psychosis, Bipolar Disorder is a psychological illness. It is known to develop through hereditary and genetic transmission and through traumatic experiences a person may go through during critical periods of their life. Generally, it reduces the quality of life in routine daily living. For this reason, if a person experiences mood disturbances or if they and their surroundings have suspicions about it, they should immediately consult with a specialist and begin treatment.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic-depressive psychosis, is a serious condition that significantly affects a person's life. In this disorder, a person experiences two different types of moods. Generally, these moods are located at two extremes. One of them, the manic state, is called exuberance or hyperactivity. When this period occurs, the person appears excessively cheerful and hyperactive. Conversely, they experience depressive periods. During these periods, depression is evident. The person falls into an extremely withdrawn state of mind. This condition can even lead to suicide. What is Bipolar Disorder can be briefly explained in this way.

The extreme changes occurring in a person's emotions affect both their own life and social environment. When this condition is mild, symptoms may be noticed by the person. However, in severe cases of bipolar disorder, symptoms may not be noticed by the person.

How Serious is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that causes sharp changes in a person's mood, energy level, and behavior. These changes can sometimes manifest as severe elevations (mania) and sometimes as severe declines (depression). Left untreated, bipolar disorder can create conditions for serious consequences over time. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts,

• Turning to alcohol or substance use and worsening existing symptoms through this means,

• Accompanying other psychological problems such as anxiety,

• Difficulties in relationships, work, or school life,

For this reason, when symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult with a specialist without delay for proper management of the process.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

• Genetic and hereditary transmission,

• Traumatic events experienced by the person, such as separation, death, and abuse,

• Life-changing events that deeply affect a person's life,

• Disruptions in neurotransmitters located in the brain—substances that help communication between brain cells,

These can be answers to the question "What Causes Bipolar Disorder."

Is Bipolar Disorder Hereditary?

Research indicates that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of bipolar disorder. In individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder, the likelihood of developing this condition is known to be relatively higher. In monozygotic twins, because they share identical genetic makeup, this condition is noted to be observed more frequently compared to dizygotic twins. However, genetic predisposition alone is not determinative; environmental factors such as stress, brain trauma, substance use, and alcohol consumption can also play a role in the onset or exacerbation of the disease.

Are There Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is subdivided into different subtypes according to the severity and duration of episodes. Generally, there are three main types:

• Bipolar Disorder Type 1: Characterized by one or more manic episodes lasting at least one week with marked severity.

• Bipolar Disorder Type 2: Progresses with major depressive episodes accompanied by mild-level manic episodes (hypomania).

• Cyclothymic Disorder: Presents itself over a long period with recurring, mild-level hypomania and depression periods.

Beyond these, bipolar disorder-like presentations associated with certain drug or alcohol use or other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and brain trauma are also described.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

As with any physical illness, certain symptoms develop in psychological illnesses. However, because a person with bipolar disorder experiences two types of moods, the symptoms that develop in each are different. So, let's examine together the answer to the question "What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder."

Symptoms During the Manic (Exuberance) Period of Bipolar Disorder:

• Excessive cheerfulness,

• Hyperactivity,

• Decreased need for sleep,

• Increased sexual drive,

• Excessive self-confidence,

• Focus problems,

• Experiencing hallucinations,

• Speaking rapidly and quickly,

• Creative thinking,

• Excessive alcohol consumption,

• Excessive cigarette smoking,

• Impatience,

• Intense wasteful spending and desire to spend money,

• Feeling of restlessness,

are symptoms that may occur during this period.

Symptoms During the Depressive Period of Bipolar Disorder:

• Excessive sleepiness,

• Difficulty falling asleep,

• Feeling fatigued,

• Feeling listless,

• Concentration disorder,

• Feelings of guilt,

• Feeling hopeless,

• Loss of appetite,

• Irritability and constant arguing,

• Decreased sexual drive,

• Suicidal tendencies,

• Neglecting routine tasks,

are symptoms that may occur during this period. In some cases, all of these moods and symptoms may be seen simultaneously. This is also called a mixed episode.

What is the Difference Between Mania and Hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are two different exuberance periods that differ in severity and duration.

• A manic episode is a period of severe elevation in mood, energy, and activity and typically lasts at least one week.

• A hypomanic episode is a period of more moderate elevation and typically lasts from four days to two weeks.

The fundamental differences between the two conditions are the severity of symptoms, the duration of the episode, and its impact on daily living. Manic episodes can lead to more noticeable problems in work, relationships, and social life, while during hypomanic periods, a person can usually continue their daily functioning.

What is an Acute Depressive Episode?

An acute depressive episode is defined as a period of marked decline lasting at least two weeks in mood, energy, and activity. This period can negatively affect the person's work life, relationships, and daily activities. During this episode, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, low energy, sleep and appetite problems, feelings of guilt, difficulty making decisions, and suicidal thoughts may be observed. When these symptoms are present, consultation with a mental health professional is recommended; the treatment process may include medication support and psychotherapy approaches depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Bipolar disorder can manifest differently in children and adolescents than in adults. In this age group, symptoms can be confused with other conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so the diagnostic process requires more careful evaluation. During exuberance periods, extreme irritability, decreased need for sleep, increased movement, rapid speech, accelerated thoughts, and impulsive behaviors may be observed. During depressive periods, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in school or other activities, lethargy, changes in sleep and appetite patterns, feelings of guilt, difficulty making decisions, and suicidal thoughts may occur. When these symptoms are noticed, it is important for families to consult a child-adolescent mental health specialist.

How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Because of the symptoms listed above, people typically seek psychiatric care due to depression. Although sometimes confused with depression, bipolar disorder is a serious psychological illness that can drive a person to suicide. For this reason, diagnosis should be made quickly and treatment should begin. The question "How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed," which is of concern to many, can be answered as follows: A person can be diagnosed through examination by a psychiatrist and a bipolar disorder test.

When Should One See a Doctor?

If symptoms of exuberance such as excessive cheerfulness or activity, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, accelerated thoughts, and impulsive behaviors; or depressive symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, lethargy, sleep and appetite problems, feelings of guilt, difficulty making decisions, and suicidal thoughts persist for longer than two weeks, it is important to consult with a mental health professional. If there is a family history of mood disorders or substance/alcohol use is involved, professional advice should also be sought.

When Should Emergency Help be Sought?

Emergency support may be needed during a severe manic or depressive episode. Emergency help should be sought without delay in the following situations:

• Severe manic symptoms; delusions (thoughts inconsistent with reality) or extremely impulsive/dangerous behaviors,

• Severe depressive symptoms; suicidal thoughts or attempts,

• The presence of a suicide plan,

• Impulsive and dangerous behaviors such as careless driving or risky sexual behavior,

In such situations, seeking help at the nearest healthcare facility or emergency room is vital.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder is known to be a psychological condition requiring lifelong treatment. First, following diagnosis, medications prescribed by a psychiatrist must be taken on time and in the required dosage until further notice. Additionally, during this process, the person and family should approach treatment positively and not avoid it. The most prominent process in answering the question "How is Bipolar Disorder Treated" is that treatment continues supported by certain changes the person makes in their life. The changes to be made in this treatment process can be listed as follows:

• Having a proper diet,

• Having a regular sleep schedule,

• Quitting alcohol,

• Stopping substance use if applicable,

• Quitting smoking,

• Receiving support from family,

• Receiving support from friends and loved ones,

• Developing awareness to improve functional thinking skills,

• Developing awareness to improve behavioral skills,

• Coping with stress,

• Adding exercise and physical activity to daily routine,

• Being aware of seasonal transitions,

The primary purpose of treatments and medications used is to alleviate the effects of bipolar disorder, improve the quality of the person's current life, and eliminate suicidal tendencies.

What are Bipolar Disorder Episodes?

The question "What are Bipolar Disorder Episodes" can be briefly answered as follows. This disorder has three different types of episodes that occur during specific periods. Generally, a manic or exuberance period may occur in spring and summer. During this period, a person's mood becomes cheerful and joyful. In autumn and winter, a person may enter a depressive or depression period. During this period, one becomes pessimistic, unhappy, and inclined toward suicide. In another, sudden mood changes typically occur at both extremes, which is called a mixed episode.

How Common is Bipolar Disorder?

According to estimates, approximately 1 to 3 out of every 100 people may encounter some type of bipolar disorder during their lifetime. It is reported that the frequency of occurrence in women may be higher compared to men. Among risk factors that may play a role in the onset of the condition are:

• The presence of a family history of mood disorders,

• Intense stress or traumatic events experienced in the past,

• Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or brain trauma,

What Can Be Done to Prevent Bipolar Disorder?

The question "What Can Be Done to Prevent Bipolar Disorder," which is of great concern and investigation to those who have not experienced this condition or wish to reduce its effects, is often researched. What can be done to prevent it can be briefly explained as follows:

• Attention should be paid to sleep schedule,

• A healthy eating lifestyle should be adopted,

• Exercise and sports should be done frequently,

• Stress should be avoided as much as possible,

• Alcohol, tobacco, and harmful substances should not be used,

• Breathing exercises should be learned and practiced,

• Anger control should be learned and practiced,

What Can Family and Close Surroundings Do?

There are certain points that family and friends of someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder should pay attention to in order to support the process:

• Demonstrating an understanding and accepting attitude; remembering that bipolar disorder is a real condition and can seriously affect a person's life,

• Obtaining information about bipolar disorder; better understanding the disease makes it easier to understand what the person is experiencing,

• Encouraging professional support; it is important that the treatment process be carried out under the guidance of a psychiatrist or therapist,

• Being present; providing emotional support especially during episode periods,

• Establishing open communication about the condition and asking what the person needs,

• Being patient and not seeing it as a personal problem; remembering that bipolar disorder is an illness, not a character flaw,

These are approaches that can provide support both to the person and to those close to them during this process.

How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Relationships?

Bipolar disorder can create some difficulties in communication and relationship management during episode periods. However, with appropriate treatment and support processes, it is possible for individuals to maintain healthy relationships. In this process:

• Continuing treatment regularly,

• Establishing open and honest communication with one's partner about the illness,

• Developing awareness regarding symptom management,

• Seeking support from a therapist or counselor when necessary,

can be considered supportive elements in maintaining relationships.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey achieves superior success rates in treatments not only for physical cases but also for psychological conditions. These successful treatments have attracted the attention of many foreign nationals, leading them to prefer our country for treatment. Some reasons foreign nationals prefer Turkey for treatment can be explained as follows:

• Treatments performed in Turkey are current and utilize the latest technology,

• Treatments are completed with excellent success and positive outcomes,

• Hospitals are large and fully equipped,

• Doctors are specialists and experienced in their fields,

• All hospital personnel, including the intermediary company that assists patients upon entry to the country, are understanding and patient,

• Treatments, as well as mandatory needs such as accommodation, food, and beverages, are provided at affordable costs,

One of the most frequently asked questions by patients coming from abroad to our country for treatment is "Bipolar Disorder Treatment Costs in Turkey." However, at this stage, providing a specific price would not be appropriate or reliable. This is because many factors directly affect pricing, such as the diagnosis and treatment methods used, the treatment process, the type and stage of the disease, and the length of stay. For accurate pricing information at this stage and to obtain detailed information about bipolar disorder, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for bipolar disorder treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent to the consulate by our company.

Is Bipolar Disorder an Obstacle to Military Service?

The question "Is Bipolar Disorder an Obstacle to Military Service," which is particularly researched by men, is continuously investigated. To provide clear information on this subject, it is necessary to consult the Turkish Armed Forces health regulations.

In sections B and D of this regulation, it is clearly stated that persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder cannot serve in the professional military. Furthermore, it is reported that these individuals will also be exempted from mandatory military service based on their diagnosis.

What Percentage Work Disability does Bipolar Disorder Provide?

"What Percentage Work Disability does Bipolar Disorder Provide" is another topic of concern and investigation. We can clarify this as follows:

• In persons with bipolar disorder who are diagnosed and treated, if complete recovery occurs, 0%,

• If there is partial improvement, 30%,

• If treatment resistance occurs and no results are achieved, 70% work disability is noted.