Bi Polar Disorder: Are You At Risk?
Posted on | September 27, 2009 | No Comments
Bipolar disorder can go by many different names such as: manic depression, bipolar mood disorder, and bi polar disease.
Not only are there many medical terms for this same condition, but bipolar disorder can be classified into different types. Because bipolar symptoms can vary by person, separating bipolar disorder into these types helps doctors determine treatment for each individual patient.
Take a look at how bi polar disorder can affect you and those you love.
Bi Polar Disorder Can Strike Anyone
Men, women, and children can all be affected by bi polar disease, yet the symptoms of this psychological disorder can be much different for a child than it can be for an adult.
Most people in their lifetime suffer silently with bipolar disorder because they are embarrassed to admit they may have a problem. Some people never seek treatment for their condition because they don’t recognize the symptoms of bipolar disorder. This causes strain on their lives and the lives of their family members and loved ones.
Bipolar affective disorder is one of the more serious psychological disorders and should not be left untreated.
Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
Being bipolar affects the way a person acts, thinks, and feels. Adults that suffer from bipolar often feel depressed and irritable; have racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, have loss of energy, feelings of guilt or unworthiness, and more.
The symptoms a child feels may not always be the same as what an adult feels. They may suffer from irritability and anxiety, as well as other rapid mood changes.
A person suffering from bipolar can go through many episodes of highs and lows, also known as mania (high) and depression (low). For adults, these episodes can last for weeks or even months. Children have shown to have episodes that are much shorter, but they may suffer between the two episodes back and forth throughout the day.
There is no predictable pattern to these episodes, and in between them a sufferer can usually return to their normal functions. For some people with bipolar disease, they may suffer much more, and never return to their normal functions.
Substance Abuse: Troubling Side Effects of Bi Polar Disorder
Many people that may be suffering with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol and drugs to mask their symptoms of bipolar, and to help them feel better.
When they are high, they may feel better, but this result will only be temporary. Abusing substances like alcohol and drugs to deal with any psychological disorders, especially bipolar disorder can have disastrous effects.
Not only can this make the symptoms of bipolar worse, but it can also make it harder for doctors to treat and understand.
The Exact Cause Of Bi Polar Disorder Is Unknown
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown, but researchers suggest it may be caused by genetics, biochemical, or environmental factors that cause an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters.
When these brain chemicals are not balanced, mood-regulation in the brain will not work. Diagnosing a bipolar disorder can be somewhat of a difficult process. As of now, there really aren’t any lab tests or medicals scans of the brain that can be performed to diagnose it. Seeking the help of an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist should be the first step in diagnosing bipolar disorder.
Once there is a diagnosis of bipolar personality disorder, doctors can begin to treat it.
Bi Polar Help Is Available
Treatment for bipolar disease will depend on the patient and their symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Currently there is no cure for bipolar disease, but with proper treatment, bipolar sufferers can control and manage their symptoms better than without medication.
Continuing treatment along with lifestyle changes such as eating well, reducing stress, and sleeping well, can be key to living a successful and happy life.
Related posts:
- Understanding Bi Polar Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment: Overcoming Manic Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety treatment: What To Expect From Anxiety Therapy
Tags: bi polar disorder > bipolar > bipolar disorder > symptoms of bipolar disorder
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