Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic
depression, is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania
and depression. The person's mood swings from excessively "high" and
irritable to sad and hopeless and then back again, with periods of the
person's normal mood in between. At least 2 million Americans suffer
from bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in
adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is
often not recognized as an illness and people who have it may suffer
needlessly for years or even decades.
Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in
children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket.
It can be confused with attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder, so
careful diagnosis is necessary.
For those afflicted with the illness,
it is extremely distressing and disruptive. Like other serious
illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members,
friends and employers. Family members of people with bipolar disorder
often have to cope with serious behavioral problems (such as wild
spending sprees) and the lasting consequences of these behaviors.
Though bipolar disorder can become
disabling, it is also one of the most treatable mental illnesses. The
combination of medications and psychotherapy helps a vast majority of
people with this illness return to happy, fulfilling lives.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Although a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been
determined, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of people who suffer
from this illness have relatives who have some form of depression.
It is also possible that people may
inherit a vulnerability to the illness, which may then be triggered by
environmental factors.
Other research suggests the illness may
be caused by a biochemical imbalance which alters a person's moods.
This imbalance may be due to irregular hormone production or to a
problem with certain neurotransmitters.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar
Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize and diagnose. One
reason is because of hypomania, which is an early sign of manic
depression. Hypomania may cause a person to have a high level of
energy, unrealistically expansive thoughts or ideas and impulsive or
reckless behavior. These symptoms may feel good to the person, which
may lead to denial that there is a problem.
Another reason for the lack of
recognition may be that bipolar disorder may appear to be symptoms of
other illnesses or may occur with other problems such as substance
abuse, poor school performance, or trouble in the workplace.
Symptoms of mania:
- Increased energy, activity,
restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Excessive "high" or euphoric
feelings
- Extreme irritability and
distractibility
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's ability
and powers
- Uncharacteristically poor judgment
- A sustained period of behavior that
is different from the person's usual behavior
- Increased sexual drive
- Abuse of drugs, particularly
cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
- Provocative, intrusive, or
aggressive behavior
Symptoms of Depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty
moods Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or
helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities,
including sex
- Decreased energy, a feeling of
fatigue or of being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, or making decisions
- Restlessness or irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite and weight, or
weight gain
- Chronic pain or other persistent
bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease
- Thoughts of death or suicide;
including suicide attempts
Treatment
Anyone suffering from bipolar disorder should be under psychiatric
care; however, he or she may need help and encouragement from friends
and family in recognizing the problem and seeking help.
If the person is in the midst of an
episode, he or she may refuse to get help. In this situation, it may
be necessary to have the person hospitalized for his or her own
protection in order to receive much needed treatment, particularly if
the person is considering suicide.
Most people with bipolar disorder can
be helped with medication. Lithium, which is effective in controlling
mania; and carbamazepine and valproate, which are mood-stabilizers and
anticonvulsants, are some of the medications which are used. In
addition, benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for insomnia and
thyroid medication may also be helpful.
It is often suggested that people with
bipolar disorder also receive guidance, education and support from a
psychotherapist. A therapist can help the person to deal with personal
relationships, maintain a healthy self-image and ensure that the
person complies with his or her treatment. Psychotherapy can also
assist the person in coping with the side-effects of the medications.
Ongoing encouragement and support from
friends and family are also very important. It may be helpful to join
a self-help or support group to help those coping with this illness.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
