Bipolar Disorder

Overview

Bipolar disorder is a problem in brain that causes frequent shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms vary from person to person in terms of severity and duration. For some patients, feelings of depression and elevated moods may rotate or cycle. For other patients, moods might shift quickly, and for others, feelings of depression and happiness might alternate over a period of months. Patients might feel strong feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and hopelessness followed by extreme periods of happiness. Extreme symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and other types of psychosis that create distorted realities. Patients might begin to behave strangely or out of character.

Bipolar disorder can cause severe social problems. A patient might be unable to carry out day-to-day tasks, maintain relationships, or hold a job. Some patients have been known to commit crimes while suffering from an episode. Mood swings are unpredictable and can last for several days or several months. This disorder is an affliction that will affect not just the patient, but those involved in the patient's life: your friends, family, coworkers, and peers. Most commonly, symptoms begin in adolescence and young adulthood.

People with bipolar disorder are frequently stereotyped or discriminated against in the workforce and in social settings. Some groups believe that bipolar disorder is not a real condition. It is also common for people with bipolar disorder to be misdiagnosed. In reality, the condition is real and treatable. Psychologists and psychiatrists have been diagnosing and treating patients with bipolar disorder for decades.

Types

Bipolar I: Patients experience symptoms that range from mania to depression. Previously, Bipolar I was classified as manic depression. Symptoms of depression can last for at least two weeks, and accompanying manic behavior can last for one week. This type of bipolar disorder requires hospitalization.

Bipolar II: This disorder is characterized by less severe mood swings alternating between periods of hypomania and depression. Manic feelings and behavior are not symptoms of this condition. Hospitalization is not necessary for acute scenarios. Medications might be required for long term treatment.

Cyclothymic: Cyclothymia is a very mild form of bipolar disorder. Symptoms can be subtle and may persist for several years. This form of bipolar disorder may go undetected. Hypomania might be an accompanying symptom. Regular psychiatric treatment might be necessary.

Mixed Bipolar: This disorder is characterized by simultaneous mania and depression. This dangerous mix is characterized by racing thoughts and energy along with irritability, anger and guilt. Violent or criminal actions might result from an untreated mixed bipolar condition.

Rapid Cycling: This form of bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more periods of severe depression, mania, or hypomania within a year's time. Rapid cycling can occur within a week or even a day. Most patients begin to experience rapid cycling as teens or young adults. Rapid cycling rates are more common among women.

Symptoms

The following include typical symptoms of bipolar disorder:

• Rapid speech
• Rapid actions
• Increased sex drive
• Inability to concentrate
• Guilt
• Chronic pain
• Psychosis
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Out of character behaviors

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify symptoms when you are experiencing them. A family member or friend might identify symptoms.

Causes/Risk Factors

Symptoms begin when a person is a teenager or young adult. When left untreated, symptoms can grow worse, especially in later stages of life. Extensive research has suggested that bipolar patients experience altered brain chemistry. As a result, varied moods and manic behavior are more pronounced. Genetics play a large role in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. A family history of bipolar disorder can be one of the biggest predictors. If you are at risk, you will need to remain vigilant for symptoms. Environmental causes can also provoke manic episodes or symptoms of depression.

Tests/Diagnosis

The tests for bipolar disorder generally include physical exams, laboratory tests, and a psychological evaluation. The different types of bipolar disorders each have their own diagnostic procedures. Tests are customized to respond to specific symptoms. Seek a consultation with a physician or psychiatrist as soon as possible.

Treatment

Treatment of the disorder is a vital part of the healing process and ensures that the illness does not become destructive or dangerous. Treatment will vary based on the patient's symptoms and the doctor's experience. Some doctors might prefer not to use medication, while other doctors believe that treatment requires medication.

There are four categories of medicine used to treat bipolar disorder. The first includes mood stabilizers, which soften the effects of mood swings. The second kind is anti-seizure medications, meant to help with manic episodes, especially during rapid cycle bipolar mania. Antidepressants are prescribed to assist with feelings of sadness and anger, although they can trigger manic episodes. The fourth category includes medications for psychosis and anxiety. In extreme cases, hospitalization may be required. Typically, treatments are long term and involve a combination of medication and therapy. Dosages and therapy will vary from person to person.