How Cardiovascular System can be Impacted
by Three Mental Disorders?
It
has been reported that a new study shows that cardiovascular disease happens at
earlier ages in people who have three mental disorders i.e., bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study is the first one that focuses
on three mental disorders and how they are related to cardiovascular risk. 600,000
people were examined and it was discovered that the 10-year cardiovascular risk
was 9.5% in those people who have these three disorders, as opposed to 8% in people
who do not have these disorders. Getting cardiovascular diseases at the age of 30
increased to 25% and 11% among others.
The study recommends using the 30-year risk assessment when treating people aged
18 and above with the three specific mental diagnoses.
Bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Bipolar
disorder in the past was known as manic depression. The condition manifests by
mood swings that can be depression or sadness, bleakness or unusual elation or
irritability. The variations in the mood can affect clarity, judgement, sleep
pattern and behaviour.
What
causes bipolar disorder is still not known and research is underway. Certain
institutes has has identified two risk factors that are genetics and brain
structure. Family history is very pertinent, especially with people whose
parent or sibling is diagnosed as bipolar, which increases the possibility of
it appearing in an individual.
Schizophrenia
is known as separation from reality. When brain function is disturbed, physical
health, memory and how senses work can be altered. The results can hinder
relationships with others and can also affect professional pursuits and other
daily activities. According to Cleveland Clinic, the three most dominant causes
are chemical imbalances occurring in the brain, an interruption between the
areas of the brain and if the brain has issues from birth.
With
schizoaffective disorder present, the emotional traits of bipolar disorder and
the physical impairment of schizophrenia happen at the same time. It is a rare
condition, which occurs in only 3 per cent of people. It happens at about the
same rate among people but it is often found in men at a younger age than
women. Causes of the disease may range from genetics and brain chemistry to
stress and drug use.
Symptoms
of each disorder
Active
schizophrenia is identified when a person experiences hallucinations, delusions,
unintelligibility or there are changes in speech patterns. Specific symptoms are
feelings of distrust, suspicion or frequent fear. A person can also contemplate
suicide, it may also lead to a decline in hygiene practices or attention to personal
appearance. Tendency to improve mood with the help of alcohol use, prescription
medications or illegal drugs increases.
There
are different types of bipolar disorders. Varying occurrences of manic episodes
and deep depression can identify different types of bipolar disorder. The
frequency and occurrence of these episodes when they occur simultaneously or
independently pinpoints Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 disorder, or even Cyclothymic
disorder, a condition that often happens during the teen years.
Symptoms
related to schizoaffective disorder include confusion, and manic behaviour,
such as racing thoughts, or disorganized thinking. Disorganized thinking makes
a person’s mind jump unpredictably from one topic to another. As it includes
characteristics of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in addition to
these symptoms, depression, hallucinations and delusions may also occur.
Ways
to improve mental health
In
2021, the National Institute of Mental Health revised its guidelines on when to
go for professional guidance. They entailed seeking professional health when
you have difficulty sleeping for two weeks and also included methods to maintain
and improve emotional and psychological health. Some methods of maintaining and
preserving mental health, most possibly cardiovascular health, have been revised
and identified too. They are both physical and mental activities.
Physical
ways to maintain mental health are regular exercise, constant and adequate
sleep and maintaining a proper diet. Staying hydrated with moderate consumption
of caffeine can also maintain mental health. Meditation or concentrated
breathing exercises, contribute to good mental health, as well.
Emotional
and mental techniques can help in the improvement of mental health. You should
also prcactice gratitude and positive thinking to reduce the negative and
stressful thoughts. Additionally, you should focus on positivity and prioritize
and acknowledge personal success, this may also reduce your stress. Social
interaction with friends, family members and coworkers is vital for mental
health.