Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, has periods of serious depression, followed by episodes of elevated or irritable moods or “highs” (without the use of drugs or alcohol). These severe mood swings are not necessarily related to events in the person’s life. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1% of the population. It typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects men and women equally.
Bipolar disorder can be treated. The outlook of living with bipolar disorder is better. Many of the treatments have been improved over the years, and research shows new advances to help those living with this illness to lead normal and healthy lives.
Some Facts
Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behavior. It even makes a difference in how a person feels physically (known clinically as psychosomatic presentations).
Most often, a person with manic-depression experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of Bipolar disorder are mania and depression. This is the least complicated form of the illness.
Mania is a very different emotional state. A person can have a manic episode that is characterized by an emotional state of intense but unfounded elation that is often coupled with irritability, hyperactivity, talkativeness, lack of focus, and impractical, extravagant plans for the future.
Some things to look for:
- Feelings of exhilaration, extreme optimism, exaggerated self-esteem.
- Rapid speech and unrestrained thought processes.
- Decreased need for sleep, individual has the feeling of never getting run down.
- Extreme irritability.
- Impulsive and potentially reckless behaviour.
Hypomania is a less extreme form of a manic episode and could include the following symptoms:
- Having utter confidence in yourself
- Being able to focus well on projects
- Feeling creative or innovative
- Being able to brush off problems that would paralyze you during depression
- Feeling "on top of the world" but without going over the top.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder distinguished by short periods of mild depression and short periods of hypomania, separated by short periods of normal mood. Those who suffer from this disorder are never truly free of the symptoms of depression or of hypomania for more than two months at a time.
Cyclothymia is equally common in men and women and affects up to 1% of the population. The disorder usually begins in the teen years or early adulthood. If left untreated, approximately 30% of those with cyclothymia eventually experience a full-blown manic episode and their diagnosis is changed to Bipolar I disorder or Bipolar.
While a person with cyclothymia is not likely to end up in the hospital, the intense mood swings can seriously disrupt their life. Imagine feeling on top of the world, ready to take on any project one day, just to wake up the next morning feeling down and depressed. This is what it's like living with cyclothymia.
An individual who has mixed episodes of hypomania and depression is usually diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, whereas regular depression mixed with mania is known as Bipolar I disorder.
It is not known what causes Bipolar disorder I or II. Research suggests that people with this condition have a genetic disposition. It tends to run in families. Drug abuse and stressful or traumatic events may contribute to or trigger episodes.
Treatment is Available
Learning to recognize the signs and triggers of Bipolar disorder is very important. It enables individuals to work with their physicians, other members of their healthcare team, family, and friends to prevent recurrences from becoming severe.
Bipolar disorder is mainly treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Individuals are prescribed medication that helps to stabilize their moods. Therapy helps them detect and recognize patterns and triggers. The clinician works with the individual to use the information in developing strategies to manage their symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, has periods of serious depression, followed by episodes of elevated or irritable moods or “highs” (without the use of drugs or alcohol). These severe mood swings are not necessarily related to events in the person’s life. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1% of the population. It typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects men and women equally.
Bipolar disorder can be treated. The outlook of living with bipolar disorder is better. Many of the treatments have been improved over the years, and research shows new advances to help those living with this illness to lead normal and healthy lives.
Some Facts
Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behavior. It even makes a difference in how a person feels physically (known clinically as psychosomatic presentations).
Most often, a person with manic-depression experiences moods that shift from high to low and back again in varying degrees of severity. The two poles of Bipolar disorder are mania and depression. This is the least complicated form of the illness.
Mania is a very different emotional state. A person can have a manic episode that is characterized by an emotional state of intense but unfounded elation that is often coupled with irritability, hyperactivity, talkativeness, lack of focus, and impractical, extravagant plans for the future.
Some things to look for:
- Feelings of exhilaration, extreme optimism, exaggerated self-esteem.
- Rapid speech and unrestrained thought processes.
- Decreased need for sleep, individual has the feeling of never getting run down.
- Extreme irritability.
- Impulsive and potentially reckless behaviour.
Hypomania is a less extreme form of a manic episode and could include the following symptoms:
- Having utter confidence in yourself
- Being able to focus well on projects
- Feeling creative or innovative
- Being able to brush off problems that would paralyze you during depression
- Feeling "on top of the world" but without going over the top.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder distinguished by short periods of mild depression and short periods of hypomania, separated by short periods of normal mood. Those who suffer from this disorder are never truly free of the symptoms of depression or of hypomania for more than two months at a time.
Cyclothymia is equally common in men and women and affects up to 1% of the population. The disorder usually begins in the teen years or early adulthood. If left untreated, approximately 30% of those with cyclothymia eventually experience a full-blown manic episode and their diagnosis is changed to Bipolar I disorder or Bipolar.
While a person with cyclothymia is not likely to end up in the hospital, the intense mood swings can seriously disrupt their life. Imagine feeling on top of the world, ready to take on any project one day, just to wake up the next morning feeling down and depressed. This is what it's like living with cyclothymia.
An individual who has mixed episodes of hypomania and depression is usually diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, whereas regular depression mixed with mania is known as Bipolar I disorder.
It is not known what causes Bipolar disorder I or II. Research suggests that people with this condition have a genetic disposition. It tends to run in families. Drug abuse and stressful or traumatic events may contribute to or trigger episodes.
Treatment is Available
Learning to recognize the signs and triggers of Bipolar disorder is very important. It enables individuals to work with their physicians, other members of their healthcare team, family, and friends to prevent recurrences from becoming severe.
Bipolar disorder is mainly treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Individuals are prescribed medication that helps to stabilize their moods. Therapy helps them detect and recognize patterns and triggers. The clinician works with the individual to use the information in developing strategies to manage their symptoms.