Bipolar disorder, which has seasonal characteristics, can lead to different effects in the fall. Stating that symptoms of depression may appear towards the last days of autumn and the first days of winter, experts warn that withdrawal, reluctance, pessimistic thoughts, deep unhappiness, hopelessness about the future and occasional suicidal thoughts and behavior may be observed during this period.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Faculty Member Dilek Sarıkaya gave information about bipolar disorder and evaluated the relationship between it and autumn.
It can be seen in 2-3 out of every 100 people
Stating that bipolar disorder is also called "bipolar mood disorder, manic depressive disorder, bipolar temperament disorder, bipolar affective disorder", Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya said, "Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be seen in 2 or 3 out of every 100 people in the society. The incidence rate in men and women is equal and the average age of onset is around 20-25 years old."
Noting that the disease is generally characterized by periods of exuberance (mania) and depression (depression), Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya said, "These two periods of illness, which seem to be opposite to each other, progress with lulls and exacerbations. Outside of the disease periods, the patient almost completely returns to normal. However, in some patients, residual symptoms that partially affect daily life may continue."
Risky behaviors emerge during the outburst period
Noting that the outburst (mania) period is a period when the mood is very high and the patient is extremely enthusiastic, Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya said, "In this period, symptoms such as exaggerated important thoughts or projects that do not stand on the ground, feeling much higher than they are, thoughts of greatness, irritability or excessive cheerfulness, increased self-confidence, thoughts competing in the patient's mind, feeling overly energetic, decreased need for sleep, even denying the need for sleep, attempting exciting or risky activities without thinking about the consequences (spending too much money, driving too fast, risky sexual activity) can be seen."
Unhappiness and introversion are observed during the depression period
Stating that the period of depression is the opposite of the period of exuberance, Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya warned, "In this period; unhappiness, pessimism, hopelessness, decreased self-confidence, feelings of worthlessness, exaggerated thoughts of guilt or regret, inability to enjoy activities that used to enjoy, changes such as loss of appetite or insomnia, deterioration in attention and concentration, decreased energy and weakness, death and suicidal thoughts may occur."
Emotional ups and downs in bipolar disorder are sharp
"All people have mood swings, ups and downs in their emotional world. Everyone can experience ups and downs between feelings of anger, joy, sadness, enthusiasm, grief, restlessness, anxiety that last for minutes, hours or sometimes a few days in their daily lives." Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya said, "However, in bipolar disorder, intense mood swings that are partially or completely unrelated to vital events, long-lasting, sharp ups and downs, affecting thoughts, feelings, behaviors and the functions and life of the person are experienced. Although the common symptoms of the disease are similar in many people, it should be kept in mind that the severity of the symptoms and the way they appear may vary from person to person."
Depression in the fall and outbursts in the spring
Noting that one of the most important features in the course of bipolar disorder is that it has a seasonal characteristic, Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya said, "Patients experience exuberance and euphoria in the spring - summer months, while they enter into depression and stagnation in the autumn - winter months. Approximately a quarter of the patients worsen in the last days of spring and the first days of summer due to this seasonal feature. Impulsive, reactive behaviors, increased tendency to aggression, outbursts of anger, excessive spending of money, outbursts, and risky behaviors can be seen at a considerable rate in patients."
Attention to suicide risk
"Towards the last days of autumn and the first days of winter, symptoms of depression may appear," said Dr. Dilek Sarıkaya and added: "Withdrawal, reluctance, pessimistic thoughts, deep unhappiness, hopelessness about the future and occasionally suicidal thoughts and behavior may be observed. Studies draw attention to the fact that the risk of suicide increases in patients during the depressive periods of the disease."
