Bipolar disorder has the capacity to relapse in an individual’s life, where they go into mania, a mixed set of emotions or depression. This type of experience can be triggered due to different factors. 

Bipolar relapse warning signs are associated with symptoms and can also be a transition where one was stable and balanced and gradually starts to transition into different extreme emotional expressions. An individual who is vulnerable to experiencing bipolar relapse is advised to stay close to family members or have a caregiver who can support them as they learn to manage the symptoms. They can have a bipolar relapse warning signs checklist to guide them as they keep track of the individual’s progress. Bipolar relapse triggers can be detected and managed; this blog has outlined the causes and how they can be managed. 

What causes a bipolar relapse?

A change of medication and treatment 

An abrupt change in medication and treatment can affect the patient by causing a chemical imbalance and signals that are responsible for regulating the individual’s moods, resulting in sudden and extreme expressions of moods that can hit just a few weeks after the change. Furthermore, irregular adherence to dosages disrupts the body’s regulation by causing fluctuations in chemicals, which leaves the nervous system vulnerable. 

Sleep deprivation 

Sleep deprivation is one of the main culprits of bipolar relapse. Bipolar relapse is greatly connected to the body’s internal clock. Therefore, any change to one’s sleeping schedule can significantly disrupt the individual’s response to hormones, their body temperature, as well as their emotions, hence causing a bipolar relapse. 

Stress and lifestyle events 

Stress has the capacity to overload one’s emotions and cause a fluctuation in the body’s chemicals. This functions as a trigger to cause the bipolar relapse; furthermore, different life events can trigger different types of emotions. Death, divorce, or arguments can lead to chronic stress, which leads to an extreme expression of depression, isolation or withdrawal, while life events like a promotion, achieving something or getting married can lead to extreme expressions of excitement, which tips the brain into a manic or hypomanic condition. 

Substance use 

The use of substances like cocaine can cause high levels of dopamine, which significantly disrupts the regulation of the chemicals in the body and can lead an individual into a manic state, whilst the consumption of alcohol functions as a central nervous system depressant, which worsens depressive symptoms, leading a person into extreme mood swings or volatile emotions. 

Can bipolar relapse be prevented? 

One may not be guaranteed to prevent bipolar relapse because of the factors that can trigger it. In most cases, the individual is guided on how to manage  the effects of the  relapse, which are; 

Psychotherapy interventions 

These are critical in helping manage one’s symptoms. They can help an individual manage stress as well as detect triggers. 

Adhering to medical treatment 

The individual is expected to adhere to the medical prescription consistently and avoid abrupt schedule changes.Adhering to the prescription helps the body regulate chemical fluctuations and enables the body and the brain to manage symptoms. 

Lifestyle and routine management 

In order to manage the symptoms, the individual is advised to make lifestyle changes such as abstaining from the use of substances or alcohol consumption and prioritizing an adequate sleeping schedule. 

In what way can caregivers or family members check for warning signs? 

It’s always crucial to have family members or caregivers around; not only are they available to ensure that the individual adheres to the prescriptions, but it also helps to know that they have the support they need. 

As a family member or caregiver, this is how you can help a close one experiencing a bipolar relapse.

Keep an eye for the warning signs. 

Be attentive to any emotional changes; you can check if 

• They have started to isolate themselves 
• They are losing interest in their daily usual routines 
• They are starting to withdraw themselves
• They start to become easily annoyed 
• Their sleeping schedule is disrupted, as well as their diet

Be the one to monitor their progress. 

A track record of their progress is an effective way of taking note of any slight changes; you can do this by 

• Journaling their progress 
• Taking pictures 
• Conducting room-by-room home safety checks 
• Utilizing a structured guide

Conclusion 

Managing bipolar relapse should not be done alone or without medical expertise to avoid worsening the condition. Family members or caregivers can work closely with specialists so that they can have the right prescription and the right guidance on the changes to be made to help the individual restore their stability. Bipolar specialists such as Dr Anshul Mahajan at Manas Hospital are able to evaluate the symptoms and provide the bipolar relapse warning signs guide to help family members or caregivers provide the right treatments for individuals experiencing bipolar relapse. 

FAQ’s 

How does one deal with emotions when dealing with bipolar disorder?

Dealing with emotions while also dealing with bipolar disorder involves strictly adhering to medication, working closely with a psychiatrist and having a structured lifestyle. 

Does bipolar disorder occur in children?

Bipolar disorder rarely occurs in children, but it is most prevalent in adolescence. 

When is bipolar relapse disorder most prevalent?

A recurrence is most prevalent within the first 2 years. 

What is the recommended timeline for a person with bipolar relapse to sleep?

People experiencing bipolar disorder are required to sleep 7 to 9 hours per night. 

Is bipolar disorder a genetically inherited condition? 

Bipolar disorder has a high likelihood of being hereditary.