BiPolar Disorder

Mental illnesses are no longer something people are afraid to discuss. In fact, research now makes it possible for people to function fairly normally, given the right medication and treatment. One of the mental disorders most frequently publicized these days is bipolar disorder. "Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide" (NIMH 1). Doctors believe bipolar disorder is caused by imbalances in certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. If the neurotransmitters aren't in balance, the brain's mood-regulating system won't work the way it should. Children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are often rthought to have inherited it from their parents. There is no specific known cause. But currently, researchers are examining various genes that run in families which might provide soe sort of clues. Statistics issued by the National Institute of mental health point out that more than 5 million Americans are afflicted with it.. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" usually are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder. Even though the symptoms of bipolar disorder may only occur infrequently in many people, teatments need to be continuous. In other words, treatment is life-long.

The mood sawings of bipolar disorder can be disruptive if there is no continuous treatment. Solmetimes that will mean not just the person who has the problem, but his or her family may need to be involved to help see the patient through some serious mood-swings. Not everyone who has mood swings has bipolar disorder, of course. But, when these mood swings continue over time, and get truly serious- that is, when a person seems to be constantly depressed and even thinks or talks about suicide, then medical and psychological treatment needs to be considered as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is not a symptom that will go away over time. Unless it is treated, and cointiknues to be treated, it can tru9ly result in tragedy. There seems to be no doubt, for example that the recent murder and suicide ast mnorthern Illinois Universdity last week was the result of the killer's stopping taking his medications.

The NIMH has some cautions for people taking medications concerning side effects: "Depending on the medication, side effects may include weight gain, nausea, tremor, reduced sexual drive or performance, anxiety, hair loss, movement problems, or dry mouth. Be sure to tell the doctor about all side effects you notice during treatment. He or she may be able to change the dose or offer a different medication to relieve them" (NIMH 5).

The Mayo Clinic explains that there are two types of bipolar disorders. Type I is when one has a so-called "manic episode" without any previous episodes of depression. "Bipolar Type II episode (is) when you've had at least one episode of depression and one of hypomania. A hypomania episode is similar to a manic episode but much briefer, lasting only a few days and not as severe" (Mayo Clinic 4).

Perhaps the greatest traumatic sttress opccurs in teen-agers who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Some suggestions for coping with the illness are: "In addition to treatment, making a few lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, eating well, and getting enough sleep and exercise can help someone who is living with the condition. And many teens find it helps to join a support network such as a local support group for people with bipolar disorder" (Sheshlow 2)..

What is important to reiterate about bipolar disorder is that it is not curable, but it is treatable. However, that treatment cannot be interrupted, and the medications cannot be eliminated or changed without a doctor's approval. Bipolar disorder is something people can learn to live with and deal with to lead fairly normal lives.

REFERENCES:

Sheshlow, David V. Ph.D.: "Living with Bipolar Disorder" www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/bipolar.html

National Institute of Mental Health: "Bipolar Disorder"

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml (Feb. 2008)

Mayo Clinic: "Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depression" www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356