Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder — sometimes called manic-depressive disorder — causes mood swings that range from of the lows of depression to the highs of mania. When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric and full of energy. Mood shifts may only occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day. In some cases, bipolar disorder causes symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.
* Low mood, intense depression and despair.
* High or ‘manic’ feelings of joy, over-activity and loss of inhibitions.
* A ‘mixed state’ such as a depressed mood with the restlessness and over-activity of a manic episode.
Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25.1 Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.
Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.
Causes
The exact causes of bipolar disorder aren’t known, but it’s thought the following play a part in the condition:
* Genes seem to be important; if you have a relative with bipolar disorder, then your chance of developing the condition is higher.
* There may be a physical problem with the brain systems which control mood – so bipolar disorder can often be controlled with medication.
* Stress can trigger mood swings.
There are a number of types of bipolar disorder:
* Bipolar I. There has been at least one high, or manic episode, which lasts for longer than one week. You may have only manic episodes, although most people will also have periods of depression.
* Bipolar II. Where you have more than one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes (called ‘hypomania’).
* Rapid cycling. You have had more than four mood swings happen over a 12 month period. This affects around one in ten people with the condition.
* Cyclothymia . The mood swings are not as bad, but are often longer.
Symptoms
The exact causes of bipolar disorder aren’t known, but it’s thought the following play a part in the condition:
* Genes seem to be important; if you have a relative with bipolar disorder, then your chance of developing the condition is higher.
* There may be a physical problem with the brain systems which control mood – so bipolar disorder can often be controlled with medication.
* Stress can trigger mood swings.
There are a number of types of bipolar disorder:
* Bipolar I. There has been at least one high, or manic episode, which lasts for longer than one week. You may have only manic episodes, although most people will also have periods of depression.
* Bipolar II. Where you have more than one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes (called ‘hypomania’).
* Rapid cycling. You have had more than four mood swings happen over a 12 month period. This affects around one in ten people with the condition.
* Cyclothymia . The mood swings are not as bad, but are often longer.
Treatments
If you suspect that you or someone you know are suffering from bipolar disorder, seek help right away. The earlier you catch bipolar disorder and begin treating it, the better your chances of getting and staying well. An experienced mental health professional can make sure your symptoms are caused by bipolar disorder and get you the treatment you need.
Treatment for bipolar disorder can help you live life on your own terms, without the interference of mood swings. Effective bipolar disorder treatment relieves symptoms, reduces the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes, and restores your ability to function
