Understanding Bi Polar Disorder
Posted on | October 5, 2009 | No Comments
Bi polar disorder patients often suffer from suicidal thoughts, troubled relationships or trouble in the workplace.
This psychiatric illness causes uncontrollable mood swings and much emotional pain.
If left untreated, this disease could lead to hospitalization. This article will discuss the definition of bi polar disorder, bi polar disorder symptoms, and some treatments that are available.
Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
A person who suffers from bipolar disorder can have severe mood swings–ranging from severe depression to severe mania.
Severe depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, while severe mania could include insomnia, intense anxiety or impulsive behavior. Between these extremes are moderate depression, mild depression, a feeling of normalcy, and increased levels of energy known as hypomania.
More than one of these symptoms can be experienced at the same time, referred to as a mixed state.
Types Of Bi Polar Disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there are four types of bi polar disorder. Manic or mixed behavior, or depression lasting more than two weeks. Bounces back and forth with hypomanic episodes.
The person’s symptoms do not fit the other categories, but clearly does not exhibit normal behavior.
Bi polar disorder in its mildest form. A person usually bounces back and forth between mild depression and hypomania for at least several years.
What Causes Bi Polar Disorder?
There is no clear-cut cause for bi polar disorder.
The theories are too many to mention; however, scientists feel that identifying the problem begins with the brain.
Brain Chemistry. Fluctuating levels of neurotransmitters–such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine–may be contributing factors for the bipolar patient. For example, low norepinephrine levels can create depression and high levels can create mania. Genetics, stress, and traumatic life experiences can also cause a person to exhibit bipolar symptoms.
Stresses Of Daily Living. Daily life can bring ups and downs for any person. However, ups and downs are extreme for bi polar patients. A physician may have difficulty diagnosing bi polar disorder because its symptoms may mimic other conditions, such as drug abuse or other physical ailments. People who exhibit intermittent levels of acute energy, extreme irritability, or have high-risk, compulsive habits show signs of being bipolar.
Managing Bi Polar Disorder With Treatment
For many people, the symptoms of bi polar disorder do not completely go away with treatment.
However, it can be controlled with medication, or a combination of medicines. Antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, mood stabilizers, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat this disease.
Counseling is also an effective tool in the bi polar treatment plan.
Help Is Available For Bi Polar Disorder
In the past, bi polar patients were labeled manic depressive.
This reference is sometimes used today. By either definition, bi polar disorder is a psychiatric illness that can ultimately wreak havoc on a person’s life.
Under a doctor’s care, bi polar disorder can be controlled, but not cured. Always discuss any symptoms and care with a physician before beginning any medicines.
Related posts:
- Bi Polar Disorder: Are You At Risk?
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment: Overcoming Manic Depressive Disorder
- Depression Treatment: Uncovering The Symptoms of Depression
Tags: bi polar disorder > bipolar > bipolar disorder > bipolar disorder symptoms > bipolar symptoms > symptoms of bipolar disorder
Comments
Leave a Reply
