Friday, March 21, 2008
Bipolar Disorder, AKA Manic Depression
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disease that causes severe shifts in a person's mood. The ups and downs experienced from a bipolar disorder are much different from the normal mood changes everyone goes through. These emotional extremes can result in damage to a person's degree of daily functioning.
Bipolar disorder typically develops in early adulthood. Some may experience symptoms in late adolescence however, it is not recognized as an illness. A person can suffer from symptoms for many years until the bipolar disorder is properly diagnosed and treated.
In bipolar disorder, changes in mood are experienced on a spectrum or continuous range. The changes in mood can bring on severe changes in attitude and behavior. A person with a bipolar disorder will experience periods of highs and lows. These highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
A bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a combination of manic and depressive symptoms are present. Symptoms of mania may include, increased energy, racing thoughts, or unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers. Depressive symptoms can include, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, or thoughts of death or suicide.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can include psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or strongly believing false concepts. People that have a bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having another severe mental illness such as, schizophrenia.
Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that bipolar disorders may result from a specific gene, passed down from family generations. Other research suggests a combination of factors including a person's environment to be the cause of the disease. Whatever the cause, a bipolar disorder can be treated and the person can lead a productive life.
Proper treatment can help reduce the manic and depressive episodes experienced by people with a bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be a life long struggle, therefore long-term treatment is strongly recommended. A combination of psychotherapy and medication management has proven to be an effective form of treatment for a bipolar disorder.
Medication management is a crucial component in the treatment of a bipolar disorder. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" can be prescribed to help control the extreme levels of highs and lows. Popular medications for treating a bipolar disorder include, Lithium, Depakote, or Neurontin. Side effects from medications may include weight gain, nausea, or anxiety.
Working closely with a doctor and therapist can improve daily symptoms experienced by a person with a bipolar disorder. A therapist can provide education and insight to a person with a bipolar disorder and their families. The most common forms of therapy used with a bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.
It is important to keep in mind that a bipolar disorder is a life long mental illness. Even when a person is feeling at their best, they must continue treatment. The mania and depression episodes can occur at anytime and currently has no cure. However, if a person is properly diagnosed and remains aware of their symptoms, they can lead a fulfilling life.
Have questions and need help with Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression? Click Here
Bipolar disorder typically develops in early adulthood. Some may experience symptoms in late adolescence however, it is not recognized as an illness. A person can suffer from symptoms for many years until the bipolar disorder is properly diagnosed and treated.
In bipolar disorder, changes in mood are experienced on a spectrum or continuous range. The changes in mood can bring on severe changes in attitude and behavior. A person with a bipolar disorder will experience periods of highs and lows. These highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
A bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a combination of manic and depressive symptoms are present. Symptoms of mania may include, increased energy, racing thoughts, or unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers. Depressive symptoms can include, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, or thoughts of death or suicide.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can include psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or strongly believing false concepts. People that have a bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having another severe mental illness such as, schizophrenia.
Most scientists agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It has been suggested that bipolar disorders may result from a specific gene, passed down from family generations. Other research suggests a combination of factors including a person's environment to be the cause of the disease. Whatever the cause, a bipolar disorder can be treated and the person can lead a productive life.
Proper treatment can help reduce the manic and depressive episodes experienced by people with a bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be a life long struggle, therefore long-term treatment is strongly recommended. A combination of psychotherapy and medication management has proven to be an effective form of treatment for a bipolar disorder.
Medication management is a crucial component in the treatment of a bipolar disorder. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" can be prescribed to help control the extreme levels of highs and lows. Popular medications for treating a bipolar disorder include, Lithium, Depakote, or Neurontin. Side effects from medications may include weight gain, nausea, or anxiety.
Working closely with a doctor and therapist can improve daily symptoms experienced by a person with a bipolar disorder. A therapist can provide education and insight to a person with a bipolar disorder and their families. The most common forms of therapy used with a bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.
It is important to keep in mind that a bipolar disorder is a life long mental illness. Even when a person is feeling at their best, they must continue treatment. The mania and depression episodes can occur at anytime and currently has no cure. However, if a person is properly diagnosed and remains aware of their symptoms, they can lead a fulfilling life.
Have questions and need help with Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression? Click Here
Labels: Bipolar-Disorder, Manic-Depression
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I spent the majority of my early 20's fearing for my sanity as I persued as many drug induced psychotic episodes as possible. The chaos and novelty of the fantasy experience ceases to be entertaining once you suffer a real tragedy. You are not living in a movie. Criminal behavior has real consequences. People die or live horrible lives with severe consquences if they dont die. Get help- smoking another spliff isn't going to help.
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# posted by 
: April 24, 2008 4:05 PM
: April 24, 2008 4:05 PM << Home
