In this article we will discuss ICD-10 types of bipolar disorder and how can we support bipolar patients as a society. To understand this widely discussed disorder we need to have a technical understanding.
Understanding the ICD-10 Diagnose Criteria for Bipolar Disorder
Manic-depressive sickness is usually referred to as bipolar disorder. It is definitely not a rare kind of disorder worldwide. It can seriously affect a person’s capacity to function in daily life. There is a standard method for classifying and diagnosing bipolar disorder. It is provided by the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) system.
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Let us start by discussing a little bit about ICD-10. According to the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, a number of symptoms are required for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
These symptoms fall into three phases called, Manic episodes, hypomanic episodes, and depressed episodes. There is a set standard for making the bipolar illness diagnosis. One must experience at least one manic episode and one depressive episode.
Manic episode is distinct At least a week-long period of excessively elevated, expansive, irritated mood or less if hospitalization is required. An individual may experience the following symptoms throughout a manic episode:
- Sense of grandeur or exaggerated self-importance
- Reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts or the impression that one is racing thoughts
- Distractibility increased activity with an aim or psychomotor agitation
- Excessive indulgence in enjoyable pursuits with a significant danger of unpleasant outcomes e.g., spending sprees, risky business investments, etc.
Unstable Episode is similar to a manic episode but less severe. A hypomanic episode can be a long one. Such a phase can continue for more than 3 days as well. Some of the signs are:
- Mood elevation or irritability
- Reduced need for sleep racing thoughts or the impression that one is racing thoughts
- Distractibility increased activity with an aim or psychomotor agitation *Excessive indulgence in enjoyable pursuits with a significant danger of unpleasant outcomes e.g., spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, etc.
Episode of depression is a brief, at least two-week time when a person has a gloomy mood. Such a person loses interest in or enjoyment of most activities. An individual may experience the following symptoms throughout a depressed episode:
- Sad almost every day for the majority of the day.
- A decline in enjoyment or interest in most activities.
- Substantial appetite rise
- Weight loss
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Psychomotor hyperactivity or slowness
- Fatigue or a decrease in energy
- Negative self-worth or excessive guilt
- Diminished capacity to think or concentrate.
- Suicidal or death-related thoughts that come up frequently.
Bipolar disorder subtypes:
Bipolar disorder is divided into subgroups in the ICD-10 based on the frequency of an individual’s episodes. There is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to identify mental diseases. Let us understand the DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic condition, and other recognized and unrecognized bipolar disorders are among these subgroups.
Mental health practitioners utilize a classification system called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is used to identify mental diseases. Following are the DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder:
Bipolar 1 Disorder:
The most serious type of bipolar disorder is called bipolar 1 disorder. A person must have experienced at least one manic or mixed episode. It is a stretch of abnormally elevated mood lasting at least a week. Decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, distractibility, and engagement in enjoyable activities are indicators of a manic episode.
Bipolar 2 Disorder:
It is less severe than bipolar I condition. A person must experience at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. It is a stretch of abnormally elevated mood lasting at least four days. But it doesn’t satisfy the requirements for a manic episode. Though less intense, hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
Cyclothymic disorder is a less severe variation of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of hypomania and depression. It does not fulfill the standards for a major depressive episode.
Other kinds of bipolar disorder, such as those brought on by other medical conditions, are also recognized by the DSM-5.
The bipolar disorder criteria in the DSM-5 offer a systematic framework. It helps in identifying this difficult and frequently crippling mental health illness.
There are definitely other types of bipolar disorder that are still under study.
How can we support bipolar patients as a society?
We need a multidimensional approach to manage bipolar individuals in society. The following are some ways that society can help people with bipolar disorder:
Education:
To lessen stigma and false information, educate people about bipolar disorder. An individual’s mood, energy, and capacity are all impacted by bipolar illness. Education can help to lessen stigma and foster greater understanding.
Access to Medical Care:
Ensure that patients with bipolar disorder have access to medical care. It includes treatment and medication. Being able to get medical care is essential for managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life. It is a chronic condition that necessitates continuing therapy.
Emotional Support:
Provide patients with bipolar disorder and their family emotional assistance.
Campaign and movement:
Advocate for the needs and rights of those with bipolar disorder. This includes fighting for improved insurance protection, career possibilities, and mental health services.
Social acceptance:
Encourage societal acceptance and understanding of bipolar disorder. Society plays a vital role. Lowering stigma is important for those who live with bipolar disorder.
Hurtful things we should avoid saying to bipolar patients:
When speaking with people who have bipolar disorder one needs to be mindful. It is critical to be conscious of the language we use. Certain words or phrases can be upsetting or detrimental to their mental health.
The following are some examples of general harm that can be done to someone who has bipolar disorder:
- You’re just being dramatic: This dismissive remark downplays the intensity of the person’s feelings and can be upsetting.
- Why can’t you just be happy? You should be greatful for the things you have: It is a question that cannot be answered by merely “being happy.” Bipolar disorder is a complex ailment. By telling someone to “just be happy,” you are downplaying their hardship.
- “You’re so bipolar!”: Bipolar disorder stereotypes and stigma are reinforced when it is used as an insult, which can be harmful.
- You’re not trying hard enough: Living with bipolar disorder is difficult regardless of how hard you try. It can be insulting and invalidating to imply that someone isn’t trying hard enough.
- You don’t look like you have bipolar disorder: Mental health issues are not obvious, and a person’s appearance may not always indicate how they are feeling. It can be dismissive and upsetting to imply that someone does not “look like” they have bipolar disorder.
- When speaking with people who have bipolar disorder, it’s critical to be encouraging, sympathetic, and non-judgmental. Also, it’s crucial to refrain from naming, stigmatizing, or categorizing people with bipolar disorder.
Crux of the article:
The article examines the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It also discusses the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) system’s diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder (DSM-5). It describes the symptoms of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. As well as the various bipolar disorder subtypes are discussed. The significance of societal support for people with bipolar disease is also emphasized in the essay. This support should include information, ease of access to medical care, emotional support, advocacy, and social acceptance.
