Bipolar
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What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar Symptoms And Treatments
Bipolar disorder - also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness - is a mental illness characterized by mood instability that is often serious and disabling. A person with bipolar disorder has unusual shifts in mood, energy, and ability to function that can last for weeks or months. The fluctuations of bipolar disorder are different from the general "ups" and "downs" that everyone goes through because symptoms are severe and can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, or even suicide. There are treatments available for bipolar disorder that have allowed people to lead full and productive lives.
Bipolar disorder can be classified into the following types:
- Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode, with or without previous depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder. At least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode (a brief and less severe manic episode). The periods of depression are usually much longer than the periods of hypomania in bipolar II disorder.
- Cyclothymia: A mild form of bipolar disorder with mood swings and less severe highs and lows compared to full bipolar disorder.
Many people have their first symptoms of bipolar disorder during late adolescence or early adulthood, but some have first symptoms during childhood and others later in life. People often suffer for years because it can be difficult to diagnose and, therefore, may not be properly treated.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Although we do not know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, there are several factors that are thought to be associated with causing the disorder and triggering bipolar episodes. For example, physical changes in the brain have been observed by analyzing biochemicals in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and certain hormonal imbalances are likely involved in triggering episodes.
Bipolar disorder may also be a hereditary condition. That is, the disorder is more common in people who have family members that also have the condition. Currently it is unknown which genes are responsible for bipolar disorder.
Environmental factors - such as self-esteem problems, significant loss, childhood trauma, or high stress - may also cause bipolar disorder or bipolar episodes.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder differ from the periods of lows and highs - the episodes of depression and mania. The changes in mood occur with similar changes in energy and behavior. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, a summary of common ones is below.
Signs and symptoms of manic episodes (mania):
- Euphoria
- Excessively "high," overly good mood
- Inflated self-esteem
- Poor judgment
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Aggressive and intrusive behavior
- Agitation and extreme irritability
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Risky behavior
- Spending sprees
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
- Increased sexual drive
- Decreased need for sleep
- Tendency to be easily distracted and difficulty concentrating
- Drug abuse, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleep aides
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
- Denial that anything is wrong
Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes (depression):
- Sadness
- Feeling of emptiness
- Hopelessness or pessimism
- Decreased energy
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Anxiety
- Guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Sleep problems
- Appetite problems
Who is at risk of having bipolar disorder?
About one percent of the population has bipolar disorder, but this number is estimated to be as high as six percent when additional forms of the disorder and undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases are taken into consideration. Although bipolar I disorder affects men and women equally, bipolar II disorder is much more common in women. Both sexes are at highest risk between the ages of 15 and 30. Additional risk factors include a family history of bipolar disorder, periods of high stress, drug and alcohol abuse, and significant life changes such as the death of a loved one.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, physicians will conduct a series of tests. A standard physical exam will provide information on height and weight, heart rate, blood pressure, heart and lung function, and abdominal state. Blood and urine may be sent to a laboratory for a complete blood count (CBC), thyroid test, and urinalysis.
The key piece of the bipolar diagnosis comes from a psychological evaluation. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will be evaluated by a mental health provider such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor may ask about alcohol and drug abuse and may ask to talk to close friends and family members in order to better understand symptoms and the events during mania or depressive episodes.
A diagnosis of bipolar I disorder usually requires one or more manic or mixed episodes with or without a major depressive episode. A bipolar II disorder diagnosis usually requires hypomanic episodes and at least one major depressive episode. A diagnosis of cyclothymia usually requires a presence or history of hypomanic episodes with periods of depression, but not major depressive episodes.
Disclaimer: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.
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