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BIPOLAR
DISORDER
Bipolar
disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized
by moods that alternate between mania (feeling indestructible,
hyperactive and overly self-confident) and depression
(feeling intensely sad and hopeless). The periods of
mania and depression vary in length and are unpredictable.
Periods of mania usually follow longer periods of depression.
In between periods of mania and depression there can
be long stretches during which the person with bipolar
disorder feels normal. However, some people with bipolar
disorder experience "rapid cycling," which
means they alternate between periods of mania and depression
at least four times a year.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?
A person must have experienced at least one manic episode
to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Even if depression
has not yet occurred or has not been diagnosed, one
episode of mania is enough to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
of mania include:
-
Extreme irritability
- Intense
feelings of euphoria
- Increased
energy, activity and restlessness
- Decreased
need for sleep or insomnia
- Racing
thoughts
- Rapid
talking
- Increased
sexual drive
- Drug
or alcohol abuse
The
depression that alternates with mania also has recognizable
symptoms. They include:
-
Ongoing sad, anxious or empty feelings
- A
loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities,
including sex Appetite and weight changes (either
loss or gain)
- Sleep
problems (insomnia, early morning wakening or oversleeping)
- Irritability
- A
loss of energy and a sense of fatigue, or being "slowed
down"
- Feelings
of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Feelings
of hopelessness, pessimism
- Difficulty
in concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Thoughts
of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Ongoing
body aches and pains or problems with digestion that
are not caused by another medical condition.
HOW
IS BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATED?
Bipolar disorder is a persistent illness. Without treatment,
people with bipolar disorder face long periods of serious
life disruption and distress. The disorder can be treated,
however, with both medication and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a series of private talks with a psychiatrist
where a person discusses the feelings, thoughts and
behavior that cause difficulty. A psychiatrist also
can recognize other mental and medical problems. The
goal of psychotherapy is to help people understand and
master their problems so they can function better. During
psychotherapy, a psychiatrist can help people with bipolar
disorder (and their families) identify early warning
signs of bipolar episodes. A psychiatrist also can help
people with the disorder manage emotional stress, which
helps people stay well and may prevent a bipolar episode.
Certain medications, especially lithium, help control
mania and may prevent future manic and depressive episodes.
Some anticonvulsant medications also are effective in
treating bipolar disorder. Antidepressants can be combined
with lithium or anticonvulsants to help treat the depressive
phase of the illness.
FIND
MORE INFORMATION …
©
Copyright 2001 Medem™, Inc. and the American Psychiatric
Association
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