Understanding Bipolar Disorder: What is it?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is just starting to gain its deserved recognition. Therefore, many people in the general public do not know much about this strange and difficult illness. So, here are the facts about bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a maladaptive disorder characterized by alternating between states of depression and states of mania. Mania is usually described as a euphoric state of energy and optimism, though symptoms differ for some. Depression is characterized for feelings of lethargy and dark thoughts. When these two states are seen alternating in some form, this can signal to a professional that a patient may be suffering from bipolar disorder (2).

Symptoms can vary wildly for bipolar disorder, but there are some general guidelines. Symptoms of a manic episode include fast speech, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, taking on new projects, requiring little sleep, and being impulsive or engaging in risk taking behavior. During these periods, individuals with bipolar disorder may be very outgoing and happy or very irritable and agitated (3).

Symptoms of depression are loss of interest in activities, problems concentrating, lethargy, changes in habits, and dark thoughts (3).

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, the illness does tend to run in families, so the experts believe that the disease is primarily genetic (4).

Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy ("talk" therapy). Different medication combinations work for different patients, but common combinations include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants. The mood stabilizer is used as the first line of defense to prevent mania and/or depression. Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat other symptoms of bipolar disorder. Finally, antidepressants are used to treat the symptoms of depression (3).

For patients that do not respond particularly well to the typical treatments, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option. ECT is now beyond the horror of "shock treatment," and it has been known to relieve patients of many, if not all, of the symptoms of bipolar disorder (3).

With the current treatments available, the outlook is good for patients that actively see a therapist and continue to take medication. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but the symptoms can be treated (1).

Bipolar disorder is a complicated illness that looks rather simple at the first glance. Learning about this illness and fully understanding it is a gift to society. Mental illnesses like bipolar disorder can no longer be ignored, and now you have some of the facts.

1. eMedicineHealth: Bipolar Disorder. 2009. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_disorder/article_em.htm

2. Myers, David G. Exploring Psychology. Holland, Michigan: Worth Publishers, 2008.

3. National Institue of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder. 2009. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

4. WebMD: Bipolar Disorder Health Center. 2005-2009. http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm