Bipolar Disorder
Description
Approximately two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. It is one of the most treatable of the mental illnesses. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania — in which a person feels extremely “high,” energetic, and/or irritable — followed by depression, characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. These mood swings can be separated by periods during which the person feels normal. The illness typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. It may co-occur with other illness or with problems such as substance abuse.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mania associated with bipolar disorder
- 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
Symptoms of depression associated with bipolar disorder
- 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)
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.
Treatment
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. Once stabilized on medicine, individuals with bipolar illness can benefit from education, support, and vocational groups. Individual counseling may provide helpful support for maintaining appropriate treatment.
