Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is one of the most treatable of the mental illnesses. Approximately two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, which involves episodes of mania -- in which a person feels extremely "high", energetic, and/or irritable -- followed by a period of depression, which is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. These mood swings of bipolar disorder can be separated by periods during which the person experiences normal moods. The illness typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Generally, bipolar disorder treatment is sought less than three months after symptoms are first experienced.

Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. The illness may appear as symptoms of other illnesses or may co-occur with problems such as substance abuse. Also, during hypomania, the individual may be very energetic, reckless, and have unrealistically grandiose thoughts or ideas -- and not realize that there is a problem. At different times, people with the disease exhibit symptoms of mania and depression.

Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Symptoms of mania

• Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking

• Tendency to become easily distracted

• Denial that anything is wrong

• Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings

• Extreme irritability

• Decreased need for sleep

• Extreme exaggeration of one's abilities and powers

• Uncharacteristically poor judgment

• Hypersexuality

• Abuse of drugs, including cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications

• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Symptoms of depression

• Insomnia, sleeping too much, awakening in early morning, interrupted sleep

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Irritability and restlessness

• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or weight gain and increased appetite

• Indifference to very important situations

• Loss of interest or lack of pleasure in activities, including sex

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness; a sense of being worthless

• Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts

• Abuse of drugs, including cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications

• Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Causes

Bipolar disorder may be linked to a variety of causes.

• Heredity No specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has been found; however, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of individuals with bipolar illness have relatives with some form of depression. It is generally thought that some individuals inherit a predisposition to bipolar disorder.

• Environmental Stress Stress takes many forms, from biological trauma during fetal development to the crises of everyday life. Such stresses interact with inherited vulnerabilities to produce disruptions in brain chemistry that underlie bipolar illness.

Bipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Treatment

Medications
Appropriate medications, such as lithium, Tegretol, Depakote, and sometimes antipsychotic medications, are essential in controlling the illness. Without these medications, bipolar illness can result in extremely harmful outcomes.

Psychoeducation and support
Once stabilized on medicine, individuals with bipolar illness can make use of education, support, and vocational groups. Individual counseling can often provide the necessary support for maintaining appropriate treatment.