Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic depressive illness or manic depression. It is brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity level and ability. These are categorized into four basic types all of them involve clear changes in mood. These mood swings are extremely change from periods like “up”, elated and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down” or hopeless periods (known as depressive periods). Rare manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

In ayurveda text, there is no specific type of disease is mentioned. In Charak Samhita there is description of Unmada i.e. insanity, which affects mind, intelligence, perception, knowledge, behavioral activities and performance. This describes five type of Unmada which depends upon symptoms and involvement of dosha which can be correlated with bipolar disorder.

As per ayurveda, in this disorder the person is prone to vata imbalance and low ojas. Vata governs the movement, brain and nervous system, on the other side ojas signifies the immunity, strength and ability.

Bipolar Disorder is occurring due to imbalance of three fundamental biological qualities (vata, pitta and kapha) along with qualities of consciousness (sattva, rajas and tamas).

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms look different in different persons. There are four episodes of this disorder such as mania, hypomania, depression and mixed episodes. The symptoms are different in different episodes.

According to ayurveda, the symptoms may vary according to system involved such as if vata is involved (excitement, talkativeness, impulsive over sleep, racing thoughts), if Pitta is involved (Aggression or anger, over confidence, irritability, less sleep, hyperactivity), if Kapha is involved (low feeling, lack of enthusiasm, sadness, loss f appetite, lethargy, excess sleeping, inactivity).

• Mood swings like excitement or sad
• Irritability
• Loss of weight or appetite
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling hopeless
• Thought of death or suicide (in depression).
• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown but it may be caused by any reason such as:-

• Neurotransmitter imbalance like glutamate, dopamine
• Genetic factor
• Psychological factors like stress
•  Medications like anti depressants
• Disease like neurological disorders, diabetes
• Substance abuse
• Sleep deprivation
• Seasonal changes

As per ayurveda, overexcitement is due to aggravation of vata and depression is due to pitta. Vata imbalance is the main doshic principle behind bipolar disorder as highly aggravated vata leads to fear, isolation, anxiety, palpitations, nervous breakdown, mood swings, insomnia, tremors and instability. Besides the imbalance in dosha, low ojas aggravates the state of bipolar disorder as low confidence and immunity allows mood swings with vata imbalance (stressful conditions vitilates vata dosha easily).

Sometimes if a person has bipolar disorder that may also have other health problems like:-

• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Other health problems such as heart disease, thyroid problem, obesity etc.

If this problem is left untreated then it may results in serious problems like:-

• Suicide
• Financial problems
• Legal problems
• Relationship troubles
• Poor work performance

The good news is that Bipolar Disorder is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.

Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.

If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Bipolar Disorder yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Bipolar Disorder is what you are having or any other related disease.

As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted a doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Bipolar Disorder is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.

Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.

We can really help you out of the issue!

Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues