Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. It is a treatable illness where the afflicted person has extreme moods that alternate from time to time. This must not be confused with everyday ups and downs, as this is a normal part of human life. A person afflicted with bipolar disorder often takes these emotions to the extreme, and it is usually devoid of any apparent cause and moods swing from one extreme to the other for no apparent reason at all.
Symptoms
Most people who have bipolar disorder talk about having “highs” and “lows” from time to time; “highs” are the periods of mania, and the “lows” are the periods of depression.
Episodes of mania include, but are not limited to, the following:
- increased mental and physical strength and energy
- excessively “high” mood and feelings of euphoria
- extreme irritability and excessive behavior
- increased distractibility, will often shift from one activity to the other
- little sleep needed and spending sprees
- extreme speed of speech and a rushing flow of ideas
- impulsiveness and loss of good judgment
- unrealistic belief of one’s own invulnerability and powers
- delusions of self-importance and overconfidence
- in very extreme cases, delusions and hallucinationsEpisodes of depression include, but are not limited to, the following:
- lasting sadness and sudden crying spells
- decreased energy and inability to get started on anything
- misplaced feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
- loss of interest on things that are usually enjoyed, including sex
- inability to face other people and social withdrawal
- significant changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
- chronic pain that are not caused by any bodily ailment or injury
- pessimism toward everything, indifference and apathy
- inability to concentrate on anything, blank thoughts
- in very extreme cases, thoughts of death and suicide
These episodes may have periods. The feelings of mania and depression go in a cycle, usually in a period of weeks and months.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
The classic form of the illness where the person feels recurrent episodes of mania and depression is called “Bipolar I Disorder”. In a less severe form, the person never feels extreme mania or extreme depression, but they still have recurrent episodes of milder mania and milder depression, and this is called “Bipolar II Disorder”. When a person has four or more episodes of the illness within a twelve month period, the person is said to have a “Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder”.
Treatment and Medication
The treatment of bipolar disorder is a combined effort between psychosocial treatment and medication. Certain types of therapy have been formulated to deal with people with bipolar disorder and to educate their families on how to deal with it.
Medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants, such as lithium, carbamazepine, valproate and a lot more. However, it is important to note that these medications are prescription-only, as they may have dangerous side-effects.
If you think you have bipolar disorder, you must consult your psychiatrist immediately for a proper diagnosis. If you know anyone who has bipolar disorder, you must remember never to leave them alone during extended periods of time especially when they are feeling episodes of depression to prevent serious self-injury and suicide.
