Description
Extreme mood swings punctuated by periods of generally even-keeled behavior characterize this disorder. Mania is an episode of an abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood state while depression is characterized by a pervasive low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate.
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. This disorder typically begins in the mid-twenties and continues throughout life. Without treatment, people who have bipolar disorder often go through devastating life events such as marital breakups, job loss, substance abuse, and suicide.
Bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million American adults, or about 2% of the overall population.
Symptoms
Mania:
Emotional: expansive or irritable mood; inflated self-esteem; prolonged periods of elation; decreased need for sleep; increased energy; racing thoughts; feelings of invulnerability; poor judgment; feelings of grandiosity; impulsive, risky, or hedonistic behavior; heightened sex drive; and denial that anything is wrong.
Physical: racing thoughts and jumping from one idea to the next; pressured or rapid speech; increased goal-directed activities; being easily distracted; insomnia; irritable, spending sprees; hypersexuality
Depression:
Emotional: feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or melancholy; fatigue; loss of appetite for food or sex; loss of interest in activities that were pleasurable in the past; sleep disturbances, thoughts of death or suicide; and suicide attempts.
Physical: decreased energy or fatigue; headaches, body aches, pains, cramps or digestive problems; loss of appetite or overeating; excessive sleeping; difficulty remembering details, making decisions or concentrating
Mania and depression may vary in both duration and degree of intensity.
Diagnosis
Although scientific evidence indicates bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, no lab test exists to diagnose the disorder. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by the person who has it, relatives, friends, or even physicians. The first step of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation to rule out any other mental or physical disorders. In addition to psychotherapy, anyone who has this mental illness should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Treatment
Eighty to ninety percent of people who have bipolar disorder can be treated effectively with medication and psychotherapy. Self-help groups can also offer emotional support and assistance in recognizing signs of relapse to avert a full-blown episode of bipolar disorder.
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