Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, sometimes also called manic depression
, affects an estimated 5.7 million adult Americans. It is described as a major affective (mood) disorder in which the sufferer experiences episodes of both mania and severe depression.
It is a serious and very real illness, believed to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. While everyone experiences up and down moods, the peaks and valleys of this disease are more severe and can negatively impact all areas of your life.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, thinking, energy and behavior, resulting in manic behavior at one end and then serious depression at the other. More than just a brief change in mood, these extremes are known to last for days, weeks, or even months.
While manic, someone might experience tremendous highs in energy, requiring little sleep. They may act erratically, even dangerously at times, and show severe lack of judgment. Hallmarks of this reckless behavior can include drinking, drug or even food binges, spending sprees, or sexual promiscuity. While in a manic state, a person may experience delusions of grandeur, racing thoughts and increased irritability.
The depressive phase of this illness has symptoms similar to the more common mental illness of clinical depression. In many ways, it is the opposite of mania. In a depressive state, a person might lack the energy or motivation to get out of bed all day. He or she may be overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness or loneliness. Sometimes, the sufferer may be completely apathetic and have no interest in the activities they usually enjoy.
While some people experience both manic and depressive periods equally, it is more common for periods of depression to be more pronounced, and manic phases might be a mild enough nature that they are hardly noticed.
In some severe cases, the sufferer may experience psychosis, or a break with reality where the individual's thinking is affected along with his or her mood. This can happen in either the manic or depressive phases.
Bipolar disorder affects nearly every part of a person's life, extending also to the physical condition of the sufferer. It is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine headaches. Furthermore, people with bipolar disorder are at a high risk of committing suicide, and may abuse alcohol or drugs in either phase of the disease (which, unfortunately, often serves to worsen the symptoms).
Only a qualified mental health professional can determine if someone is suffering with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric treatment of this disease is critically important for those who are diagnosed. Medication plays an essential role in treatment, but a holistic approach can contribute to recovery. Regular exercise, healthy, routine sleep patterns, a balanced diet and a nurturing environment where stress is minimized can greatly contribute to managing this disorder.
Typically, medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist (although in some states, other mental health professionals may prescribe medication as well). There are many different medications, and people respond differently to each one. Your mental health practitioner may need to try several until satisfactory results are achieved.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting the symptoms of bipolar disorder, see a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible, and take heart: proper treatment of the illness can help restore you to a happy, fulfilling life while lessening the effect of both mania and depression.
by: Stephen Daniels
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