Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences
both extremes or "poles" of feelings--mania and depression--in ways
that often cause great pain and suffering for the individual, as well
as for those who care about them. Bipolar disorder, also known as
manic-depression, is characterized by wide extreme mood swings from
severe highs (mania) followed by episodes of distinct lows (depression)
and is most often a chronic condition. Sometimes the mood switches are
dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. The length of an
episode varies from person to person, but each one generally lasts for
several weeks. Episodes may be longer at the onset of the illness
before treatment has begun. Bipolar disorder usually emerges in late
adolescence or early adulthood. At any given time, more than 2 million
people in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder.
When one member of a family has bipolar disorder, their condition
affects everyone else in the family. When episodes occur, they often
feel confused, alienated and helpless. During manic phases, family and
friends may watch in disbelief as their loved one transforms into a
person they do not know and cannot communicate with. During episodes of
depression, everyone can become frustrated as they desperately try to
elevate the depressed person's mood.
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
Depression
* Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
* Significant change in appetite or body weight
* Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
* Restlessness, irritability
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Despite extensive investigation, the exact cause of bipolar
disorder is still unknown. Some researchers have suggested that the
cycles of moods are brought on by a viral infection, but there is yet
to be any conclusive support for this theory. Others have suggested
that the symptoms of bipolar disorder are triggered by stressful events
in one's life.
The most popular theory argues that bipolar disorder is caused by a
chemical imbalance in the brain. The brain is made up of nerve cells,
called neurons, and chemicals, called neurotransmitters. According to
this theory, an imbalance of one neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, is
thought to cause the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It seems there are
unusually high levels of norepinephrine in a person^s brain during
manic episodes, and markedly low levels during depressive episodes.
Family history is another factor when determining the cause for bipolar
disorder. Studies show that between 4% to 24% of those who have a
relative with bipolar will also develop the disorder. Individuals who
have a parent or sibling diagnosed with bipolar have only about a 1% to
5% chance of developing the disorder. It's important to note that,
while those who have biological family members with bipolar disorder
are at greater risk of getting the disorder, it does not mean they will
get it.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is usually a life-long condition. Left untreated, the
periods of mania and depression can occur over and over again and
episodes can progressively become more frequent and more severe. The
good news is that effective treatment is available. Treatment is vital
to decreasing the suffering that accompanies the disorder and
preventing future episodes. Basic ways to treat bipolar disorder are
therapy, medication, and a combination of the two.
Therapy
There are therapists who are especially skilled and experienced at
helping people who are suffering from bipolar disorder. Therapy
provides a safe, comforting, and confidential setting in which to
receive the kind of help and understanding that can best assist in
first relieving the symptoms, then recovering, and ultimately
protecting the patient from future recurrences.
Combination of Therapy and Medication
For those who suffer from bipolar disorder, a treatment plan of both
therapy and medication can be the most effective in relieving symptoms
and preventing future episodes.
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