What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar Symptoms And Treatments
Main Category: BipolarAlso Included In: Mental Health; Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 02 Feb 2006 - 4:00 PDT
email to a friend 
printer friendly 
opinions
| Patient / Public: |  |
4.1 (63 votes) |
| Healthcare Prof: |  |
3.8 (10 votes) |
| Article Opinions: | 2 posts |
Bipolar disorder - also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness - is a mental illness characterized by mood instability that is often serious and disabling. A person with bipolar disorder has unusual shifts in mood, energy, and ability to function that can last for weeks or months. The fluctuations of bipolar disorder are different from the general "ups" and "downs" that everyone goes through because symptoms are severe and can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, or even suicide. There are treatments available for bipolar disorder that have allowed people to lead full and productive lives.
Bipolar disorder can be classified into the following types:
- Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode, with or without previous depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder. At least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode (a brief and less severe manic episode). The periods of depression are usually much longer than the periods of hypomania in bipolar II disorder.
- Cyclothymia: A mild form of bipolar disorder with mood swings and less severe highs and lows compared to full bipolar disorder.
What is psychology? What are the branches of psychology?
What is psychotherapy? What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
What is mental health? What is mental disorder?
What is anxiety? Anxiety symptoms and causes.
What is depression? What causes depression?
What is schizophrenia?
What is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder)
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? What causes PTSD?
What is anorexia? What is bulimia?
What is autism? What causes autism?
What is dementia? What causes dementia? What are the symptoms of dementia?
What is dyspraxia? How is dyspraxia treated?
What is hypochondria?
What causes bipolar disorder?
Although we do not know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, there are several factors that are thought to be associated with causing the disorder and triggering bipolar episodes. For example, physical changes in the brain have been observed by analyzing biochemicals in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and certain hormonal imbalances are likely involved in triggering episodes.Environmental factors - such as self-esteem problems, significant loss, childhood trauma, or high stress - may also cause bipolar disorder or bipolar episodes.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder differ from the periods of lows and highs - the episodes of depression and mania. The changes in mood occur with similar changes in energy and behavior. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, a summary of common ones is below.Signs and symptoms of manic episodes (mania):
- Euphoria
- Excessively "high," overly good mood
- Inflated self-esteem
- Poor judgment
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Aggressive and intrusive behavior
- Agitation and extreme irritability
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Risky behavior
- Spending sprees
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
- Increased sexual drive
- Decreased need for sleep
- Tendency to be easily distracted and difficulty concentrating
- Drug abuse, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleep aides
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Sadness
- Feeling of emptiness
- Hopelessness or pessimism
- Decreased energy
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Anxiety
- Guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Sleep problems
- Appetite problems
- Unintentional weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Lack of desire for sex
- Problems concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Irritability
- Chronic pain without a known cause
Bipolar disorder news
Psychology / Psychiatry news
Anxiety / Stress news
Depression news
Mental health news
Eating disorders news
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) news
Alzheimer's / Dementia news
Autism news
Dyslexia news
Neurology news
Schizophrenia news
Who is at risk of having bipolar disorder?
About one percent of the population has bipolar disorder, but this number is estimated to be as high as six percent when additional forms of the disorder and undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases are taken into consideration. Although bipolar I disorder affects men and women equally, bipolar II disorder is much more common in women. Both sexes are at highest risk between the ages of 15 and 30. Additional risk factors include a family history of bipolar disorder, periods of high stress, drug and alcohol abuse, and significant life changes such as the death of a loved one.How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, physicians will conduct a series of tests. A standard physical exam will provide information on height and weight, heart rate, blood pressure, heart and lung function, and abdominal state. Blood and urine may be sent to a laboratory for a complete blood count (CBC), thyroid test, and urinalysis.The key piece of the bipolar diagnosis comes from a psychological evaluation. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will be evaluated by a mental health provider such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor may ask about alcohol and drug abuse and may ask to talk to close friends and family members in order to better understand symptoms and the events during mania or depressive episodes.
A diagnosis of bipolar I disorder usually requires one or more manic or mixed episodes with or without a major depressive episode. A bipolar II disorder diagnosis usually requires hypomanic episodes and at least one major depressive episode. A diagnosis of cyclothymia usually requires a presence or history of hypomanic episodes with periods of depression, but not major depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder treatments
Bipolar disorder treatments primarily consist of medications and psychotherapy. In order to reduce the frequency and severity of both manic and depressive episodes, it is important to treat the disorder during episodes and during periods of remission. Additional complications, such as alcohol or substance abuse, should also be treated since they may exacerbate bipolar disorder symptoms.A psychiatrist or other mental health professional may prescribe one or several medications to help control bipolar disorder. Because many medications have side effects like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, it may take some time to find the optimal treatment regimen.
Common medications prescribed to treat bipolar disorder include:
- Mood stabilizers - Lithium, for example, is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for bipolar disorder.
- Anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants) - Valproic acid, divalproex, and lamotrigine are often used as mood regulators.
- Antidepressants - Though they may lead to manic episodes, antidepressants have been carefully prescribed for bipolar disorder.
- Atypical antipsychotics and anti-anxiety - Olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine are common antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines are common anti-anxiety drugs.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - Individual therapy that focuses on identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones as well as managing stress and coping with upsetting situations.
- Family therapy - Group therapy that focuses on identifying and reducing stressors within your family and improving communication and problem-solving.
- Group therapy - With other bipolar disorder sufferers that focuses on communication and learning from others.
How is bipolar disorder prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no sure way to prevent bipolar disorder. Treatment at the earliest sign of mental health disorder can help prevent bipolar disorder from worsening, and long-term preventive treatment can help prevent minor episodes from becoming full manic or depressive episodes.Video: Answers.TV.com
News on Bipolar Disorder
For the latest news and research on Bipolar Disorder, and to sign up to newsletters or news alerts, please visit our Bipolar Disorder news section.Written by Peter Crosta M.A.
Visit our bipolar section for the latest news on this subject.
MLA
12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/37010.php>
APA
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/37010.php.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
|
Rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) |
Patient / Public: |
or |
Health Professional: |
Visitor Opinions In Chronological Order (2)
Being Bipolar
posted by BiPolarBear on 3 Feb 2011 at 12:37 amHello,
I am 48, and been in treatment for Bipolar since I was like 24. But I have had it most all my childhood too. we just never could put a name to it. And back then there was very little known, nor much to be done. Most of the time they stuck you in the hospital, and sedated you., or worse. (My former therapist who was there then told me some horror stories)
I have BP2, but I rapid cycle. And I have a lot of whats called mixed episodes. I am also suicide a lot. I also have OCD kind of bad. Not washing my hands or cleaning up, but rather, bad thoughts. And I will not get into those. I will just tell you that I hate them. I also have PTSD, and I will not tell you about that, but I will say that it had to to with an ongoing event as a child and youth. But I was lucky, I got a good therapist for a few years. And he was very good. He helped me a lot. I still have problems with it. I am set off by smells, and sights. And smells can really do it. But I know more about it now, and have learned to deal with it better then I use to.
I will say that I acted out a lot when I was younger. No drugs or anything. But I did some things that I really hate. Some drugs I was taking helped a bit. But it took some time to get that right. I also got older, and that helped with a changing body. I still have the same issues and thought patterns, its just that my body reacts differently. Thank God.
I have had a hard time with the drug I have taken for both the BP and OCD. When take one for the OCD, its sets off my BP mania. So I have to stop. And the other way around too. So, I do not take as may drugs as use to, to not make it any worse, and see the Dr once a month. And I have for 20 years plus.
I have been in the hospital 4 or 5 times, and need to go more when I get a certain way. But I can not afford the supplemental insurance that I had at one time, so it would cost me WAY to much.
With all the cuts, I am scared to whats going to happen next. The mentally ill seem to get the axe. While other folks seem to get "a pass". We get the shaft all the time. Even with the insurance that I have now, outpatient psyc only pays 50% of the bill. Why are we any different than any other illness? Its discrimination, plan and simple. we try to get, and stay well, but they make it very hard for us to follow do so. Yet some people get supplied covered. I guess because the SRs have the lobby down. And got what they wanted. No one seems to listen, or really care about the mentally ill. And if you get bad enough, they shut you away in jail, and let that take care of you. Many people end up homeless. There are a lot of vet that are homeless with mental illness as well. But, they do not need them anymore. It sinful how they take a kid, screw with his mind, set him loose, then when they are done with him, spit him out.
But for those of you who are mentally ill. There are some groups on the internet that can help NAMI is one. There are others, just be careful who you throw in with.
If you can not get the help that you need due to cost, try a medical school with a teaching hospital. Thats what I did over 20 years ago. They many time have ways to help you get your drugs. Or will at least try.
Be careful what kind of clergyman you talk to. There are some nuts out there that will say that you are possessed of something. Or that depression is a sin. I went threw that. And told them where to get off. They have messed up a lot of people with their nonsense.
And watch the people that say something like. all you need to do is pick yourself up by your boot straps or some such nonsense. These people have no idea what they are talking about. Steer clear of them. Its possible that you might have a medical problem that can be treated with the RIGHT kind of help.
Take care.
Susi
posted by Susan on 21 Jan 2012 at 12:41 amI find your article quite interesting, I genetically come from a family of 6 diagnosed generations of Manic Depressives. Strangley enough the males have a tendency to be a bit more depressive, suicide has beeen a chosen option in more than one occasion. the Females are in all respects fast cycling manic . We have a great talent for chalking up 4-7 husbands, can be quite physically agressive and verbally agressive. From my past experience I can say that none of the family ever tested out with an IQ of less than 140, and at times both male and female we are musicians, poets, painters, textile artists, and on the other hand rebuild engines, and our greatest asset seems to be our curiosity, I for my self found College boring as it didn't go fast enough for me, but I still stayed for the Degree. I have been medicated since 1984, I am now 61 ears old and enjoy my life as it is. I have run the gamut of medicatios in my life and have found for me a combination that works, but getting here I made the full focus of my life, some people do not have that as they have other responsibilities, but without a fully functoning mind your really don't do your spouse or children much good, I am fortunate to have both a Psychiatrist and Therapist that have helped me travel this road, I can pass on one thing my Grandmother told me I takes guts to want to heal yourself, Susi
Add Your Opinion
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
Privacy Policy |
Terms and Conditions
MediLexicon International Ltd
Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
MediLexicon International Ltd © 2004-2012 All rights reserved.
