Eutymy In Bipolar Disorder: The Calm After The Storm
To a greater or lesser extent, we imagine that bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, which can range from depression to mania. But somewhat lesser known is the fact that these two extremes do not constantly alternate with each other. In fact, there is a quiet period of apparent normality between them. This calm between the storms is what is called eutymy in bipolar disorder.
Contrary to many people’s beliefs, and unlike other conditions, such as. borderline personality disorder, mood swings in bipolar patients are not sudden or temporary. In other words, the person does not experience variations during a day. In fact, both manic and depressive episodes can often last for weeks or months. In addition, there is a period between episodes when the person is free of symptoms.
But what exactly is eutymy and how long do these quiet episodes last? Are patients really in a normal condition similar to that which preceded the onset of the disease? Is there anything you can do to extend the period of euthanasia? We address these issues below.
Euthymia in bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by the presence of various types of episodes that drastically affect mood. During manic episodes, the patient experiences hypertension. This manifests itself as an abnormally positive mood. It is accompanied by euphoria, overactivity, swearing and uncontrolled risk-taking.
On the other hand , during depressive episodes a hypothetical mood occurs. This manifests itself as loss of joy and interest, guilt, sleep and appetite disorders and even thoughts of suicide. In addition, it is possible that mixed episodes may occur, combining manifestations of the two.
Therefore , eutymy in bipolar disorder refers to the periods between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It is a period when the patient is completely free from symptoms and in a state of calm and normalcy.
Eutymi comes from a Greek word meaning ‘good spirit’. In this phase, patients are in a state of well-being and relaxation, and have control over their own emotions. They have control over their mental abilities and social skills and they function normally.
Does eutymy mean the absence of symptoms?
During euthymia, mood stabilizes and patients normalize. In this way, it can be said that they recover their emotional level before their bipolar episodes and maintain normal daily functioning. However, some studies have found evidence that casts doubt on this idea.
In fact, research suggests that even with eutymia, bipolar patients may show some form of slowing down or cognitive impairment. In fact, concentration, learning and memory problems also occur during these intervening periods.
However, it is not yet clear whether these cognitive changes are the result of the disease, the patients’ own disposition or any side effect of their medication.
How to extend this condition?
One of the main goals of the work with these patients is to maintain the euthymia phase in bipolar disorder. However, it is important to emphasize that it is not possible to achieve absolute stability. In fact, euthanasia is not a period of healing or recovery. In fact, these patients will always have a tendency to experience different emotional states with greater intensity.
But the importance of good treatment is very relevant here. In fact, appropriate pharmacological treatment together with psychoeducation can help the person to both maintain and prolong the state of euthymia.
Understanding the disease and having helpful personal tools to manage it can make a significant difference. Therefore, it is extremely important for patients to follow the prescribed treatment.
