subject: Truth And Lies About Bipolar Disorder [print this page] Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic depressive illness and is a type of mental disorder that results in unusual and erratic shift in the mood and energy levels of an individual. It greatly affects the activity levels and the ability of the individual to perform daily tasks. Some of the symptoms of manic depressive illness or it can be extremely severe, and may cause damaged relationships amidst various social disabilities, including suicide. Fortunately, it can be effectively treated as people who experience this illness can lead a full and productive life with the help of proper treatment. However, there are numerous myths surrounding this mental disorder, therefore, it is important to sift the truth and the lies about bipolar disorder.
In recent times due to increased awareness about bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness, a greater number of people have gained perfect understanding of this disorder than before. One of the biggest myths of this ailment is that it is a rare condition which is not true. According to recent research and statistics a large number of people suffer from this disease, which approximately reads as 2.5% of the US population. Another myth of it is that most people referred to it as mood swings which is very different from the condition. Although mood swings are an integral symptom of this ailment, the duration, length and severity of mood swings are far more long-lasting and severe, which greatly affect the individual's ability in daily life.
Another myth that was extremely popular till about the year 2008 was that there is a bipolar disorder test, which is not true. A number of bipolar tests which were sold over the Internet made large headlines about whether bipolar could be effectively diagnosed at home. But the truth was that the test only revealed to users whether their genetic buildup actually put them at risk of having or getting manic depressive illness. An actual diagnosis of this ailment depends upon researching on the medical history of a patient, and observing the symptoms displayed over a period of time. If an individual has a family history of manic depressive illness it greatly enhances the individual's risk of getting it.
Another myth of bipolar disorder is that it cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18 which is untrue, as it can be diagnosed in patients who are under the age of 18. However, it is true that it is far more difficult to diagnosis the symptoms of this condition in some individuals than others, due to the delaying patterns of the illness. Some children display a classic presentation during the early childhood years which can point out to the early stages of the disease, but if a child does not display the classic symptoms it is far more difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
One of the biggest myths of bipolar disorder is that it has very limited treatment options, which is not true. Although medication and psychotherapy are important in controlling the mental disorder, it also helps to pay attention to lifestyle activities, and involve active strategies such as cardiovascular exercise, adopting a healthy diet and maintaining regular bedtimes. Keeping a watch on certain signs and signals that point to a shift in mental patterns can help in a person in overcoming the mental disorder.
