Factors that Trigger a Bipolar Episode
Posted by Administrator in Mental Health.Factors Important for Triggering an Episode
Periodicity – Many bipolar patients demonstrate a biological rhythm with impressive regularity with regard to mood swings. Cycles of hypomania and/or depression come with predictable occurrence. These tend to be seasonal; spring for hypomania and fall for depression, or summer for hypomania and winter for depression.
Anniversary – A significant event, usually an “exit” event—a loss, such as the death of a significant person, a divorce, a major move, change or disruptions, or a previous episode makes one more vulnerable. The appearance of the episode is one way of dealing or not dealing with the psychobiologically remembered trauma.
Stressful Life Events – For some bipolar patients, positive events such as a marriage, graduation, promotion, and honors can be as stress-producing as negative events. For some patients, any major change or deviation from a well-ordered, stable routine may trigger biopsychological disequilibrium.
Belief Systems – The way you think about yourself and the world around you has a great deal to do with how you behave. If you believe a hypomanic episode is inevitable and that you have no control over it, chances are the episode will occur in the fashion you have prophesied. Many bipolar patients become victims of self-fulfilling prophecies, assuming little responsibility for modifying behavior that might prevent episodes from occurring. Many patients believe if they continue to take medication regularly, the medication alone will automatically prevent episodes from happening. Read more