Bipolar Disorder (also known
as Manic Depression) starts anywhere from childhood to late in life, but typically begins in adolescence often appearing as
depression. Due to the depression occurring first, many sufferers are diagnosed with major depression before receiving the
diagnosis of Bipolar.
The word Bipolar is used to indicate the two poles or extremes that are present in the disorder, namely;
mania and depression. Following are the symptoms of each:
Mania:
- Decreased need for sleep
- Overly talkative or feels the need to continuously talk
- Increase in goal oriented activity
- Exaggerated optimism
- Inflated self esteem or grandiosity
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Impulsive behavior (like shopping sprees or sexual indiscretions)
- Irritability or aggression
- Increased sex drive
- Easily distracted
Depression:
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Inability to concentrate
- Anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Prolonged sad mood
- Inability to enjoy activities once found pleasurable
- Decreased sexual drive
- Feeling slowed down
- Inability to sleep or too much sleeping
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
One should note there are actually
four main mood episodes included in Bipolar. They are: mania, hypomania, depression and mixed mood. Mania and Depression symptoms are explained above, hypomania is a lesser form of mania and a mixed mood
state is essentially mania and depression.
In addition to the four mood
states there are two main types of Bipolar. The first is Bipolar I Disorder which
is marked by recurrent mania and depressive states. The second is Bipolar II is where the mania remains hypomania and one
experiences hypomania with depressive states. Rapid Cycling is a term used when
a person “cycles” four or more times in a year.
More then 2 million American
adults have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder affects an
equal number of men and women however most men start with a manic episode while most women start with a depressive episode.
Bipolar Disorder is a recurrent
illness and treatment is essential to managing symptoms.
A variety of medications are
used to treat Bipolar Disorders. A doctor may prescribe more then one medication
if not several medications possibly including a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant, a sleep aid or (if needed) an antipsychotic
medication. Medications work differently in each individual and it will take
time to find the right medication or medications to effectively manage symptoms. Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in Fish Oils may
also be helpful.
In addition to medications
and supplements therapy can play a key role in learning to manage symptoms.
