What Is Bipolar Disorder? A Discussion On This Type of Mental Illness

What Is Bipolar Disorder? A Discussion On This Type of Mental Illness

Bipolar disorder and the various bipolar symptoms affect both men and women and can affect anyone at any age. Oftentimes bipolar disorder may be misdiagnosed and this article offers a brief discussion on this type of mental illness and seeks to answer the question, "what is bipolar disorder?"

What is Bipolar Disorder?

This disorder is characterized by two main phases of this illness namely, mania and depression. About 1% of the population in the US suffers from bipolar disorder and frequently display the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

A. Mania - hypomania and full-blown mania

Intense energy as well as being highly productive is one of the characteristics of hypomania. This has the tendency of leading to full-blown mania which can be quite devastating on the afflicted. Full blown mania causes the eradication of reason on the part of the sufferer. Consequences of actions are not considered.

When in a manic state, the individual may be highly gregarious beyond what is considered "normal" as well as wanton sexual exploits without consideration for the consequences such as pregnancy, damage to a relationship that they are in, or sexually transmitted diseases.

This mania can eventually lead to other bipolar symptoms such as psychosis which is evidenced by hallucinations, delusions and other bizarre thoughts and can become a danger to themselves as well as others because they can no longer distinguish between that which is real and what is imagined.

B. Depression

After the high or mania associated with one phase of this disorder, then comes the low or depression which is the second phase of bipolar disorder. The individual may isolate themselves from friends and family. Depression associated with bipolar can cause the sufferer to lose their appetite, sleep for days, have a lack of energy or lose the inclination to do anything, etc.

With this deep level of depression come suicidal thoughts as a means to escape the doom and gloom. Threats to harm themselves should be taken seriously by friends and family or other caregivers. This depression can also lead to engaging in other damaging behaviors in order to cope such as using drugs and alcohol which further complicates the treatment and management of the mental illness.

While seeking treatment that works, investigating various therapies such as cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder, finding bipolar support groups, etc, can be challenging for both the sufferer and family and friends of the sufferer. Solutions for bipolar disorder are getting better and better each day and it is possible for the sufferer to lead a full and productive life.

This is only a brief discussion to answer the question "what is bipolar disorder?" For more information visit http://mentalhealthtoday.weebly.com/bipolar-disorder.html for additional information on the symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as the two types of this disorder - Bipolar Type 1 and Bipolar Type 2. Any type of mental illness including this disorder can be managed with the right medication, support, various therapies, etc. Discover how to today.

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