subject: Understanding Depression And Bipolar Disorder [print this page] Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is classified as a mood disorder. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses. In fact, most of us are acquainted with someone who suffers from bipolar disorder. The condition is highly treatable but many sufferers neglect to seek medical care. This is because the condition is often misunderstood and many of those who suffer from the condition are afraid to seek care. They may not realize what is happening to them or they may fear being stigmatized by being diagnosed with mental illness.
When someone suffers from manic depression they will experience extremely high periods (the manic phase) and extremely low periods (the depression phase). During the manic phase it is not uncommon for people to engage in extreme and possibly dangerous behavior. Their demeanor may change completely and their speech becomes rapid, they may become highly irritable, and they may undertake extreme physical activity. During the depressive phase the sufferer will feel extremely low and in very serious cases may even be suicidal. In most cases, the depression periods are much more prolonged and frequent than the manic periods. You will likely find that during the periods between mood swings the person appears perfectly normal.
Bipolar disorder can make life extremely difficult for those who are in day-to-day contact with the sufferer. The mood swings will not occur at regular intervals and any number of things can trigger a switch from mania to depression. The severity of the symptoms may also vary widely and can last from as short as a few days to as long as years. To complicate matters, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as simply clinical depression, what we commonly refer to as clinical depression. The depression symptoms may be addressed but this doesnt solve the entire problem.
The direct cause for manic depression is still unknown thought science has found evidence that it runs in families. It is indiscriminate in targeting people of all agesmeaning children as well as adults. The important thing to remember is that the condition is a disease and not an indication of a personality flaw. When sufferers and their families recognize this it sometimes becomes easier to seek treatment.
There are a variety of treatment options for bipolar disorder. Medication appears to be the most effective but it is controversial for many people. It is not uncommon for sufferers to view medication as a crutch and refuse to have their problems solved by taking a pill. Nevertheless, the many medicines that are available today to treat bipolar disorder are extremely effective in many people. Unfortunately, they dont work for everyone. The important thing is that the person with the symptoms seek appropriate medical care so that they can be evaluated and treatments. For those that prefer not to take medication or for whom medication is ineffective, there are alternatives. Among these are psycho-therapy, herbal supplements, electro-convulsive treatment, and light therapy.
There is still a lot to be learned about bipolar disorder, what causes it, and how it can be treated. The important thing is that the condition not be ignored. Chances are with the proper attention the condition can be controlled and the person suffering from it can lead a very healthy, very normal life.
