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Bipolar Disorder
Definition:
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).
