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).