Facts About Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that is also commonly known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in the brain that impact a person's mood, energy, and ability to function normally. With bipolar disorder, people can have normal moods as well, but if it is left untreated it can cause problems in a person's personal life and work.

Facts About Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms

There are two parts of bipolar disorder which can cause many symptoms. There is the "up" feeling and the "down" feeling. The "up" feeling is called mania and the "down" feeling is the depression part.

The manic phase can make you feel sudden rage, energy, irritability, delusional, invincible, and hyper. During a manic phase you may schedule more tasks for your work or school day than you can actually handle. Risky behavior is also a symptom of the manic phase. You might want to drive recklessly or spend more money than you have. Another symptom of the manic phase of bipolar disorder is out of control sexual behavior.

The depression phase of bipolar disorder can make you feel worthless and lonely. During the depression phase you will not have the energy you normally have if you were in a normal mood. You might also feel severe sadness and despair, sleeping too much, not sleeping enough, or changes in appetite. You may also have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions. The activities you usually enjoy will not be enjoyed during the depression phase.

Some people who suffer from bipolar disorder will also have psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. If a person is hallucinating with bipolar disorder they will see or hear things that are not there. Delusions mean false beliefs not influenced by logical reasoning.

Facts About Bipolar Disorder: Causes

Bipolar disorder usually runs in the family. Genetics hold a high percentage of being the number one cause of bipolar disorder. 80-90% of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have someone in the family or more than one family member who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder. Other causes include stress and sleep disruption. Drugs and alcohol can play a major role in bipolar disorder as well.

Facts About Bipolar Disorder: Treatments

There are treatments for bipolar disorder. The best treatment is a combination of medications, such as mood stabilizers, and therapy. Some people have success with both and some have success with just the medication. Whether or not you will need both medication and a therapist is up to your doctor but it is the best treatment for bipolar disorder.

Since relationships can be damaged from bipolar disorder it can be beneficial for family and friends to also seek treatment in therapy. Remember, you as the patient are not the only one suffering, those who are around you suffer as well.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments