Bipolar Disorder

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe -- much different than the normal ups and downs everyone goes through. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

 

More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people experience their first symptoms during childhood, while others develop them late in life. Bipolar disorder is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

 

Mania and Depression

Bipolar disorder involves episodes, or cycles, of mania and depression. Episodes of mania and depression typically recur throughout the person's lifetime. Between episodes, most people with bipolar disorder are free of symptoms, but as many as one-third of people have some residual symptoms. A small percentage of people experience chronic, unremitting symptoms despite treatment for bipolar disorder.

Episodes of Depression Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder include the following symptoms:   Persistent sad mood Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed Significant change in appetite or body weight Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping Physical slowing or agitation Loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt Difficulty thinking or concentrating Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.   Manic Episodes Manic episodes of bipolar disorder include abnormally and persistently high mood or irritability and at least three of the following symptoms:   Overly inflated self-esteem Decreased need for sleep Increased talkativeness Racing thoughts Distractibility Increased goal-directed activity, such as shopping Physical agitation Excessive involvement in risky behaviors or activities.   Mixed State of Bipolar Disorder In a mixed state of bipolar disorder, symptoms of mania and depression are present at the same time. These symptoms frequently include:   Agitation Trouble sleeping Significant change in appetite Psychosis Suicidal thinking.   The episodes may be separated by periods of wellness during which a person suffers few to no symptoms, especially early in the course of bipolar disorder. When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, the person is said to have bipolar disorder with rapid cycling. Bipolar disorder is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse.     Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis Severe depression or mania may be accompanied by symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms include:   Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of stimuli that are not there) Delusions (false personal beliefs that are not subject to reason or contradictory evidence and are not explained by a person's cultural concepts).   Psychotic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder typically reflect the extreme mood state at the time.       trisha.adnani@gmail.com