Bipolar disorder — sometimes called manic-depressive disorder — is associated with mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania.
When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.
When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric and full of energy.
Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day.
In some cases, bipolar disorder causes signs of depression and mania at the same time.
Symptoms of Manic phase of bipolar disorder can include:
Euphoria
Inflated self-esteem
Poor judgment
Rapid speech or Racing thoughts
Aggressive behavior
Agitation, irritation or easily distracted
Increased physical activity or Risky behavior
Spending sprees or unwise financial choices
Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
Increasedsex drive
Decreased need for sleep
Care lessor dangerous use of drugs or alcohol
Frequent absences from work or school
Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)
Poor performance at work or school
Signs of Depressive phase of bipolar disorder can include:
Sadness or Hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
Anxiety or Guilt
Sleeper appetite disturbances
Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
Problems concentrating
Irritability or Fatigue
Chronic pain without a known cause
Frequent absences from work or school
Poor performance at work or school
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes. These include:
Biological differences
Imbalance in naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
Imbalanced hormones, or
Environmental stress, abuse, significant loss or other traumatic experiences.
Treatment:
Medications and Psychotherapy are vital parts of bipolar disorder treatment. Although bipolar disorder is a disruptive, long-term condition, you can keep your moods in check by following a treatment plan. Inmost cases, bipolar disorder can be controlled with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).