Bipolar Disorder

Ann L. is a 22 year old woman who experienced a period of deep depression. For several months, she had trouble sleeping, lost her appetite, cried all the time, lost interest in her friends and her activities. Over a period of a few days, her mood improved. She started to feel more lively and like she wanted to participate in outings with her friends again. Ann was so relieved that the dark cloud that had been hanging over her was lifted! She could not explain what had happened- she had not done anything differently that might have treated her depression. She did not spend too long thinking about what might have caused her miraculous recovery because she was too busy being happy. And she was too busy, well just being busy.

Suddenly, Ann realized that she had a lot of projects that she wanted to work on and complete. She found that she felt inspired to write and draw. In fact, one night, she stayed up all night drawing and writing poems. She was having so much fun! Ann realized that the work she was doing was first-rate, better than the artists and poets she was studying. "I will get rich selling my work!" Ann excitedly realized. Ann started spending a lot of money all the time, knowing that she would soon be rich. Her great mood led her to socialize more, unfortunately with some unsavory characters. She started having sex with strangers, something she had never done before. Her family noticed that Ann was behaving strangely. Concerned, they went to Ann and asked her what was happening in her life that seemed to be upsetting her. Uncharacteristically, Ann became furious with her family. She accused them of being out to get her. She felt that they were jealous of her beauty, money and talent. After days without sleep, even Ann became concerned that she was losing her mind. At her family's insistence, Ann went to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed Ann with Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression or manic depressive illness, is a mental disease characterized by severe mood swings that interfere with normal everyday life. There are two types of Bipolar Disorder, type I and type II. The severity and duration of symptoms is greater in type I than in type II. This article will primarily address characteristics of Bipolar I disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness that affects approximately 1% of the population. The illness affects men and women about equally. Children and adolescents can be affected and the disorder is usually diagnosed before age 30.

Persons with Bipolar Disorder experience manic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes can consist of elevated mood, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, agitation, increase in activity, excessive involvement in pleasurable activities such as sex that may lead to unintended consequences. Depressive episodes may manifest themselves through sleep disturbances, sad mood, crying spells, appetite disturbances, suicidal thoughts, difficulties concentrating, guilt feelings, lack of enjoyment of activities and agitation. When an individual switches between these two extremes, they can be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

What are common treatments for Bipolar Disorder? Medication is usually required for the stabilization of Bipolar Disorder. The drugs of choice are referred to as mood stabilizers. Examples of commonly used mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid and lamotrigine. Other medications used may include olanzipine, gabapentin and various antidepressant medications. Mood stabilizers work by maintaining the individual's mood at a steady level to avoid the ups and downs inherent in Bipolar Disorder. The other medications may also be used in emergencies or acutely to calm Bipolar patients who may be in danger of hurting others or hurting themselves.

Although Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness, patients can lead normal lives and even excel in life. It is thought that many famous and creative persons may have suffered from Bipolar Disorder such as Vincent van Gogh or Leonardo da Vinci. Treating Bipolar Disorder can be a slow process requiring multiple trials of medications. But patients should know that they can and will get better. Many patients do. Carefully working with all of your care providers and taking good care of yourself will maximize your chances of success with your treatment program.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER:

-Keep all of your appointments with your care providers. They can not help you if they do not see you. And seeing your providers regularly may allow them to catch an impending relapse more quickly.

-Ask lots of questions. Having your questions answered and fears allayed will help you to get the best possible treatment.

-Take your medication as prescribed. Again, if you are having any difficulties, contact your care provider so that they can help you.

-Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that irregular sleep patterns or not getting enough sleep can trigger Bipolar episodes. Go to sleep at the same time each night and make sure that you are getting enough hours of sleep. If you are having sleep problems, speak with your provider.

-Eat right. Some research has shown that certain food components such as omeg-3 fatty acids may help Bipolar Disorder sufferers. A balanced diet will help you to get all the nutrients that you need.

-Reduce stress. Keeping your stress level reasonable will help to prevent relapses. Build strong relationships, have plenty of leisure time and pay attention to your spiritual growth.

With proper treatment, you can live with Bipolar Disorder.