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.

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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.

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