Bipolar Disorder
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/10/2006 at 11:59AM
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a type of depression that affects more than two million American adults. It is a brain disorder that causes major mood shifts resulting in dramatic ups and downs. It affects a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. This condition can damage relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But the good news is that bipolar disorder can be treated, allowing sufferers to lead full and productive lives.
Bipolar disorder typically develops in the teen years or in early adulthood. However, some people see their first symptoms as children, while others do not develop symptoms until later in life. Many people suffer in silence with this condition, as they do not recognize their symptoms as part of an illness.
Bipolar Disorder: The Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe episodes of mania or depression that include symptoms of psychosis. The dramatic mood swings go from extreme highs and happiness to extreme lows and sadness. Often, these mood swings fluctuate with no warning and with periods of normal behavior in between. These mood swings, also called episodes of mania and depression, go hand in hand with severe changes in energy and behavior. Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time, either extreme happiness or depression. Common psychotic symptoms include hallucinations and delusion. Hallucinations may involve hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of things that are not actually there. Delusions, on the other hand, are strongly held beliefs that are not influenced by logical reasoning or explained by a person's usual cultural concepts. A person with bipolar disorder may experience intense delusions of grandeur or depression that are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as schizophrenia, another severe mental illness.
Symptoms of Mania
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. A mild level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good at the time, and it may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. However, without proper treatment, hypomania can become severe mania in some people or can switch into depression. The following are the most common symptoms of a manic episode of bipolar disorder:
Increased energy and alertness
Euphoric mood
Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and distractibility
Exaggerated and unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Increased sexual drive
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Symptoms of Depression:
A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
Overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of emptiness
Hopelessness or a pessimistic outlook
Feelings of guilt or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, and a feeling of fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness or irritability
Sleep disorders: sleeping too much, or the inability to sleep
Drastic appetite changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Bipolar Disorder and Suicide
Suicidal tendencies are common in people with bipolar disorder. If you, or someone you know is thinking about or considering suicide, it is important to take these thoughts seriously. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies include:
Wanting to die
Talking about considering suicide
Feeling hopeless or helpless
Feeling like a burden to family and friends
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Preparing for death
Putting oneself in dangerous situations
If you, or someone you know is feeling suicidal:
Call your health care professional or 911 immediately
Get in touch with a friend or loved one, and don't leave a suicidal person alone
Stay away from things such as medications or guns that could be used to inflict harm
Bipolar Disorder: The Treatment
Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is an illness that must be managed throughout the sufferer’s life. But most people with bipolar disorder can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings, and return to a normal life with proper treatment. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder over time.
Medications
Medications for bipolar disorder can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or your health care provider. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" are the most common treatment method for controlling bipolar disorder. Anti-convulsant and anti-psychotic medications are also useful in stabilizing mood cycles. Work closely with your psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan for your condition. And be sure to stick with the program once you have started, as this will improve your chances of recovery.
