2009-11-02 21:12:30 -
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Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. Unlike the normal undulations everyone goes through, those experiencing bipolar disease have unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are severe. They can interfere with relationships, impair job and school performance and even lead to suicide. Proper treatment, however, can effectively treat
this disorder and allow people with this illness to lead full and productive lives.
In the United States, about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. The condition may frequently be overlooked or misdiagnosed. People may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated.
"Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.
"I am fortunate that I have not died from my illness, fortunate in having received the best medical care available, and fortunate in having the friends, colleagues, and family that I do."
Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., An Unquiet Mind
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Causes are generally unknown. This psychological disorder may be due to biologic, psychological and hereditary factors or extreme stress may trigger a sudden episode of mania or depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder produces dramatic mood swings. These periods range from extreme highs to terrible lows. They are referred to as episodes of mania and depression, respectively.
Manic episodes produce a variety of symptoms. A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, 4 additional symptoms must be present.
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can't concentrate well
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong
The depressed state is associated with the following symptoms. A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
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