Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 26: The department of Psychiatry of Father Muller Medical College Hospital will observe a week-long BIPOLAR awareness programme which will begin from Monday March 29 to April 3.
World Bipolar Day is observed each year on March 30, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. On this day, emphasis is made on creating awareness by engaging the medical fraternity and the community. Outpatient services will be provided at the hospital where trained and renowned faculty will help individuals and those interested in the medical remedial of the condition.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood). People with bipolar disorder in between episodes have periods of neutral mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.
People without bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuations. However, these mood changes typically last hours rather than days. Also, these changes are not usually accompanied by the extreme degree of behavior change or difficulty with daily routines and social interactions that people with bipolar disorder demonstrate during mood episodes. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s relationships with loved ones and cause difficulty in working or going to school.
Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. People with bipolar I disorder frequently have other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The risk of suicide is significantly higher among people with bipolar I disorder than among the general population.
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth. Although the symptoms may vary over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment.
For those living with bipolar disorder, World Bipolar Day offers an opportunity to connect with others as well as assistance in gaining access to valuable resources and relationships that can improve their lives through treatment.
Father Muller Medical College Hospital has been into psychiatric care since the early 1900 and moreover, in 1960 the first psychiatric unit in the district and state was set up. The department of psychiatry has received galore awards and recognition for its services to the public has created well-wishers far and wide.
The department of psychiatry along with the department of dermatology had post-graduate courses (MD) even before the medical undergraduate course began.
The director along with the administrators wish that people avail the services provided at the hospital, having time and again raised the bar in providing the latest facilities for patient satisfaction and care.
An internal press conference was held regarding the same attended by Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator of the Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Dr Kishan Shetty, deputy medical superintendent; Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor, HOD department of Psychiatry, Dr Sharol and Dr Avinash, senior residents of the department of Psychiatry. Fr Rudolph spoke on the infrastructural changes made in the OPD to make it patient-friendly. Dr Supriya and her team are competent for rendering evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorders catering to outpatients and inpatients.
Contact 0824 223 8189 (Psychiatry OPD) between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm.