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Anupam Kher's Illness: Old Term for Bipolar Disorder
26 Sep
Summary
- Manic depression is an outdated term for bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar disorder causes distinct episodes of mood, energy, and behavior changes.
- Reduced sleep, not insomnia, is a key indicator of mania or hypomania.
Actor Anupam Kher's recollection of a "manic depression" diagnosis has brought attention to bipolar disorder, an older term for the condition. Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of significant changes in mood, energy, sleep, and behavior, differing from typical mood fluctuations.
Recent Indian studies suggest approximately three in 1,000 adults have bipolar disorder. Diagnosis can be delayed due to stigma and a lack of awareness, though symptoms are characteristic. Mania, a defining feature, includes elevated mood, increased energy with little sleep, and grandiose thoughts, typically lasting at least a week.
Hypomania presents similar but less severe symptoms. A notable sign is a reduced need for sleep, often mistaken for insomnia, which can be an early indicator and risk factor for relapse. This condition commonly emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, but can appear earlier, with differing presentations in children.
Lifestyle factors like sleep deprivation, stress, and routine disruptions can trigger or worsen episodes in vulnerable individuals. Untreated, bipolar disorder significantly impacts relationships, work, and finances, and can increase suicide risk. Long-term management includes medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
