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What
is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar
disorder, also known as manic depression, is an illness involving one or
more episodes of serious mania and depression. The illness causes a
person’s mood to swing from excessively “high” and/or irritable to
sad and hopeless, with periods of a normal mood in between. More than 2
million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar
disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues
throughout life. It is often not recognized as an illness and people who
have it may suffer needlessly for years. Bipolar
disorder can be extremely distressing and disruptive for those who have
this disease, their spouses, family members, friends and employers.
Although there is no known cure, bipolar disorder is treatable, and
recovery is possible. Individuals with bipolar disorder have successful
relationships and meaningful jobs. The combination of medications and
psychotherapy helps the vast majority of people return to productive,
fulfilling lives. “Bipolar
disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible.” What
causes bipolar disorder? Although
a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been found, studies
show that 80 to 90 percent of those who suffer from bipolar disorder have
relatives with some form of depression. It
is also possible that people may inherit a tendency to develop the
illness, which can then be triggered by environmental factors such as
distressing life events. The
presence of bipolar disorder indicates a biochemical imbalance which
alters a person’s moods. This imbalance is thought to be caused by
irregular hormone production or to a problem with certain chemicals in the
brain, called neurotransmitters, that act as messengers to our nerve
cells. What
are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? Bipolar
disorder is often difficult to recognize and diagnose. It causes a person
to have a high level of energy, unrealistically expansive thoughts or
ideas, and impulsive or reckless behavior. These symptoms may feel good to
a person, which may lead to denial that there is a problem. Symptoms
of mania The
symptoms of mania, which can last up to three months if untreated,
include: ·
Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts
and rapid talking ·
Denial that anything is wrong ·
Extreme “high” or euphoric feelings -- a person may feel
“on top of the world” and nothing, including bad news or tragic
events, can change this “happiness.” ·
Easily irritated or distracted. ·
Decreased need for sleep – an individual may last for days
with little or no sleep without feeling tired. ·
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers -- a
person may experience feelings of exaggerated confidence or unwarranted
optimism. This can lead to over ambitious work plans and the belief that
nothing can stop him or her from accomplishing any task. ·
Uncharacteristically poor judgment -- a person may make poor
decisions which may lead to unrealistic involvement in activities,
meetings and deadlines, reckless driving, spending sprees and foolish
business ventures. ·
Sustained period of behavior that is different from usual --
a person may dress and/or act differently than he or she usually does,
become a collector of various items, become indifferent to personal
grooming, become obsessed with writing, or experience delusions. ·
Unusual sexual drive ·
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol or sleeping
medications ·
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior -- a person
may become enraged or paranoid if his or her grand ideas are stopped or
excessive social plans are refused. Symptoms
of Depression Some
people experience periods of normal mood and behavior following a manic
phase, however, the depressive phase will eventually appear. Symptoms of
depression include: ·
Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood ·
Sleeping too much or too little, middle-of-the-night or
early morning waking ·
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and
weight gain ·
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex ·
Irritability or restlessness ·
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. ·
Fatigue or loss of energy ·
Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to
treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders) ·
Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts ·
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless Treatment Treatment
is critical for recovery. A combination of prescription medication or
natural supplements, professional help, and support from family, friends
and peers help individuals with bipolar disorder stabilize their emotions
and behavior. It is important
to address the emotional, spiritual, social, and vocational needs with the
appropriate professional as it is needed. There
are two schools of thought for treatment with prescription medication or
natural supplements. Many people with bipolar disorder prefer to be
treated with medication. A common medication, Lithium, is effective in
controlling mania in 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder. Others have opted to try alternative supplements to address
the bodies need to make natural changes.
Which ever you choose it is advisable to meet with a schooled
healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat this type of
condition. It
is suggested that those with bipolar disorder receive guidance, education
and support from a mental health professional to help deal with personal
relationships, maintain a healthy self-image and ensure compliance with
his or her treatment. Support
and self-help groups are also an invaluable resource for learning coping
skills, feeling acceptance and avoiding social isolation. Friends and
family should join a support group to better understand the illness so
that they can continue to offer encouragement and support to their loves
ones. Other
Resources: Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) National
Institute of Mental Health National
Foundation for Depressive Illness Sources
– Excerpts from: “
Bipolar Disorder,” NIMH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
MASTERPEACE Center for Counseling and Development
308 S. Maumee Street, Tecumseh, MI 49286
·
517-423-6889
·
www.mpccd.com
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