19th June 2024, Palm Springs: Bipolar disorder sufferers may notice a significant change in their personality during a manic episode. They could start talking too much, their minds racing, and their self-esteem narcissistic or exaggerated. Adrenaline and risk-taking behaviour—where people may partake in risky behaviours like excessive spending, promiscuous behaviour, or rash decision-making—are some typical personality changes that occur during manic episodes. During this period, it might be difficult to engage with the individual due to their frequent irritability and agitation since tiny irritations can easily lead to outbreaks of rage. Those who demonstrate an overblown feeling of self-importance and believe they possess unique qualities or abilities are also likely to exhibit overconfidence and inflated self-esteem. Further upsetting their everyday routines is the possibility that during manic episodes, people will believe they can get by on little to no sleep.

Individuals suffering from bipolar disease, for instance, may endure a complete personality shift during the depression phase as they become withdrawn, lethargic, and despairing. Evaluations revealing a depressed mood for much of the day, diminished ability to feel pleasure in activities previously rewarding, thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or a plan for killing oneself: The presence of one of these symptoms would suffice for a diagnosis of major depression, as would the presence of two of these symptoms or an additional set of symptoms: Feelings of worthlessness or guilt and hopelessness about the future are common. It is further marked by a lack of motivation; what used to be enjoyable may no longer interest them, and ordinary errands would not inspire a depressed individual to get on with it. Irritability and hesitators, where people easily get annoyed or are not capable of making a decision). Self-sufficient people who do not like to interact with others can also be easily socially alienated and isolated.

In most bipolar illness treatments, psychotherapy and medication are combined because both are effective modalities of treatment. To help prevent the frequency of mood episodes and stop them, doctors often prescribe mood stabilizers like lithium, valproic acid, and lamotrigine. Another component that may lead to the prescription of antipsychotics and antidepressants in conjunction with mood stabilizers is one's symptoms. The possibility of the combination of the drugs may take some time to establish the most appropriate one, and it is therefore recommended that one consult a mental physician.

Counselling and the objective of cognitive behavioural treatment and also family-focused treatment appear to be very effective for bipolar affective disorder patients. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps identify and modify patterns of constructive thinking and behaviours that provoke mood episodes. The goals of family-focused therapy are as follows: develop a therapeutic environment in which the bipolar patient feels comfortable, improve communication among family members, and teach the family members about this disease. Other ways of closing symptoms and improving the quality of life are making such changes in the daily regime as physical activity during a week, a constant sleep-wake cycle, and an alcohol or drug-free life.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition. Therefore it must be approached as a treatment and management condition frequently. To conclude, bipolar disorder patients can be well managed and the sufferer can regain a normal life as none has to suffer from these disorders if properly guided and managed. The above consequences are likely to cause significant dysfunction in the lives of those affected through relationship breakdown, unemployment, increased substance abuse, and even suicide if bipolar disorder is not addressed. For this reason, it becomes important to have the disease diagnosed early enough and bipolar treatment commenced.

Before reaching the point of dealing with bipolar disorder, a malfunction of certain parts of the brain involving behavioural patterns and moods may have had an impact on someone's relationships and social skills; therefore, the rehabilitation of bipolar disorder cannot be sufficiently treated strictly in terms of the medical aspect including medications and counselling. It is, therefore, probable that strains and conflicts with friends, family, and close lovers develop as a result of the manic and depressive episodes that alter personality.

Therefore, going for family therapy or even couples counselling is recommended, especially for those who have Bipolar disorders as well as their close ones. Besides, the given therapy approaches might also assist relatives as well as partners in grasping the disease better, in addition to learning about how to effectively communicate with the patient and how they have to manage temperamental changes in the personality. Support groups may also provide an environment wherein the individuals having bipolar disease and their relatives can share stories, get ideas from and with others, and get motivated.

Bipolar disease is a somewhat challenging disorder to diagnose and treat, but individuals can discover strategies for coping with personality alterations during mood episodes and can maintain productive, fulfilling lives if they receive adequate care, companionship, and changes in their daily routines. The Bipolar disorder sufferer, his or her family members, and health care practitioners have the responsibility of patients, caregivers, and doctors, respectively, and they must participate actively and be committed to patient care and management strategies.

Conclusion: Consequently, one may note that both manic and depressed phases of bipolar disorder can dramatically affect the subject's personality. Bipolar disorder is recognized as an individual mental ailment. Effective treatments are possible and are a valuable source of help to address the personality changes that may occur, and that may pose challenges to the person afflicted and his or her loved ones. As stated emphatically, bipolar patients need to manage their disorders by taking prescribed medications, engaging in psychotherapy, and adopting healthier behaviours for an improved quality of life.