▶️ HOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS ARE AFFECTED BY NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN THE BODY

– There are various neurotransmitters that affect the blood sugar levels in the body and one of them norepinephrine a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's response to stress and danger. It also affects various brain functions, such as alertness, attention, memory, and mood.

– Norepinephrine affects the blood sugar levels in the body by triggering the release of glucose from the liver and muscles, which provides energy for the cells. This also helps the body cope with stress and exertion. Norepinephrine can increase blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen (the stored form of glucose) and the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and lactate.

– Norepinephrine also inhibits the secretion of insulin, which is the hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake by the cells.

– Norepinephrine is related to bipolar disorder, which is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania (high mood and elation) or depression (low mood and sadness), or a mixture of both. The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but they are likely influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. One of the biological factors is the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, motivation, and stress response, among other functions.

– People with bipolar disorder may have lower or higher levels of norepinephrine in the brain, depending on the phase of their illness. Low levels of norepinephrine are linked to lower arousal, lower alertness, and depression. High levels of norepinephrine are linked to higher arousal, higher alertness, and mania. The levels of norepinephrine may also fluctuate during the course of the day, affecting the circadian rhythm, which is the body's natural clock that determines when you feel sleepy or awake.

– Some medications for bipolar disorder work by modulating the level of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to stabilize the mood and reduce the severity and frequency of the episodes. These medications include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. However, not all people with bipolar disorder respond well to these medications, and some may experience side effects or interactions with other drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication for bipolar disorder.

▶️ SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

– As previously noted, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings between mania or hypomania and depression. The symptoms of bipolar disorder may vary depending on the type, phase, and severity of the disorder.

– Some of the common symptoms of bipolar disorder are:

1). Depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable most of the time; lacking energy; difficulty concentrating and remembering things; loss of interest in everyday activities; feelings of emptiness or worthlessness; feelings of guilt and despair; feeling pessimistic about everything; self-doubt; being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking; lack of appetite; difficulty sleeping; waking up early; suicidal thoughts and attempts.

2). Mania: Feeling very happy, elated, or overjoyed; talking very quickly; feeling full of energy; feeling self-important; feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans; being easily distracted; being easily irritated or agitated; being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking; not feeling like sleeping; doing things that often have disastrous consequences – such as spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items; making decisions or saying things that are out of character and that others see as being risky or harmful.

3). Hypomania: Similar to mania, but less severe and less disruptive; may feel more productive and creative; may not have psychosis or need hospitalization.

4). Mixed state: Experiencing symptoms of depression and mania together; for example, overactivity with a depressed mood.

– The symptoms of bipolar disorder may occur rarely or multiple times a year, and may last for several days or longer. Between episodes of depression and mania, some people may have periods where they have a "normal" mood, while others may not experience any symptoms. Bipolar disorder is a serious and lifelong condition that can affect your daily functioning and quality of life. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. There are effective treatments available for bipolar disorder, such as medications and psychotherapy, that can help you manage your mood swings and other symptoms.

– A frequently sought after question is;

Can children have bipolar disorder?

– Yes, children can have bipolar disorder, although it is more commonly diagnosed in adolescents and adults.

– Bipolar disorder in children is not the same as the normal ups and downs that every child goes through. The mood swings in bipolar disorder are more extreme, often unprovoked, and affect how the child functions at school, home, and with friends. Bipolar disorder in children can also cause other problems, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

– The exact causes of bipolar disorder in children are unknown, but several factors may contribute to the illness, such as genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and trauma. Research shows that bipolar disorder tends to run in families, and that children with a close relative with the disorder have a higher chance of developing it.

– The symptoms of bipolar disorder in children may vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but they generally include experiencing symptoms of both depression and mania at the same time or in rapid alternation; may feel confused, angry, or hopeless.

– Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children can be challenging, as the symptoms may overlap with other conditions, such as ADHD, conduct disorder, or major depression. It requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a trained and experienced mental health professional, who may use interviews, questionnaires, observations, and medical tests to make a diagnosis.

– Treatment for bipolar disorder in children usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, which can help to stabilize the mood, reduce the symptoms, and improve the functioning and well-being of the child. Medication may include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Psychotherapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or interpersonal therapy, which can help the child cope with stress, manage emotions, improve relationships, and prevent relapse.

Bipolar disorder in children is a serious and lifelong condition that can affect their development full and productive lives.