bipolar-disorder

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder (BD) is a long-term brain disorder that causes unnatural and dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy, behavior and ability to function. BD is marked by severe mood swings, from an overly high and euphoric mood (known as mania) to a very low, hopeless and lethargic mood (known as depression), often with periods of normal mood in between.

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MERCY HOSPITAL JANESVILLE More than two million American adults have BD in any given year. BD typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but has also been known to start in childhood and late in life.

Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, but experts agree that there is no single cause. Genetics plus many other factors acting together are thought to produce BD.

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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder The periods of highs and lows that mark bipolar disorder are known as episodes of mania and depression respectively, and each episode has a wide range of symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of depression: • Constant feelings of downheartedness, sadness or emptiness • Cry easily • Little interest or pleasure in daily activities and hobbies • Everything feels like an effort • No pleasure or joy in anything • Loss of energy or tiredness for no reason • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness • Indecisiveness and trouble concentrating or remembering • Restless and easily annoyed or irritated • Persistent negative and/or disturbing thoughts • Changes in appetite, with significant weight loss or gain • Changes in sleeping patterns, from insomnia to oversleeping • Loss of interest in sex • Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment; e.g., headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain • Feelings of isolation • Thoughts of suicide or death

Signs and symptoms of mania: • Increased energy, activity and restlessness • Overly high or euphoric mood • Decreased need for sleep • Extreme irritability • Loud, fast and/or incoherent speech • Racing thoughts • Feeling all-powerful and fearless • Increased sexual drive • Poor judgment, often leading to spending sprees • Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior • Denial that anything is wrong • Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medication Sometimes, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis like delusions and hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms tend to reflect the mood state at the time. For instance, psychotic symptoms during the manic phase might include delusions of special powers or incredible wealth.

During the depressive phase, they might be feelings of having committed some terrible crime or of being ruined financially. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed with having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Without treatment, the natural course of BD tends to worsen, and the person might suffer more frequent mood swings with more severe symptoms. Fortunately, even people with the most severe forms of BD can have a better quality of life with proper treatment that often includes a combination of medication and therapy.

Because BD is a long-term, chronic illness it must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life. Even with treatment, mood changes can occur. These should be reported immediately to the doctor, who can adjust the treatment plan.

Therapy and medication can be very helpful to alleviate symptoms before they become disabling. A visit to your mental health provider or family physician is needed to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Steps to Help Yourself Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine.

Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to and who will listen.

Do not set difficult goals or take on added responsibility – Break larger tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish.

Avoid making major life decisions – Try taking it one day at a time.

Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right and keep your appointments.