What You Need to Know: A Guide to Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is classified as having periods of mania interchanging with periods of depression. These mood swings can be swift. Bipolar disorder usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25. Although no exact reason is known, bipolar disorder occurs more between relatives. Bipolar disorder occurs from disturbances in the area of your brain that regulates your mood. A person may be overly energetic during a manic period, while a sense of anxiety and low self-worth occur during the depressed phase.

There are two types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder I have had at least one full manic episode with periods of a major depressed episode. Bipolar disorder was frequently referred to as manic depression. Bipolar disorder II patients do not experience mania to its fullest. They experience times of hypomania, which are elevated levels of energy which are not as extreme as those found in mania. These periods alternate with depressed episodes. There is also a mild form of bipolar disorder. Called cyclothymia, this involves episodes of hypomania and depression, with less-severe mood swings.

There are two category of symptoms faced with the bipolar disorder. One occurs during the manic phase and the other occurs during the depressed phase. The manic phase lasts anywhere from a couple of days to months. An elevated mood occurs, with thoughts racing and an increased energy level. Self-esteem levels rise to the point of beliefs of false abilities. Reckless behavior can occur, such as shopping sprees or bingeing with impaired judgments. Patients of that are bipolar can be easily distracted during their manic phase with little need for sleep. They are easily agitated and cannot control their temper well. Depending on which type of bipolar disorder they have, the symptoms are less intense with bipolar disorder II. The depressed phase of bipolar disorder includes serious symptoms of depression. The bipolar person is in persistent sadness. They feel fatigued, with excessive amounts of sleepiness and inability to sleep. They may lose their appetite and lose weight, while some overeat and gain weight. They feel worthless and guilty, have difficult times concentrating. They struggle to remember simple things and can't make decisions. Bipolar disorder can lead to withdrawal from friends and activities and can lead to continual thoughts of death. Suicide is a risk of bipolar disorder. Patients that use alcohol or drug substances can experience symptoms worse.

Many factors must be considered to determine whether or not the patient has the bipolar disorder. The health care provider will observe your mood and note on your behavior. They will look at your history of medications taken. Inquiries about your recent mood swings and your family history may occur. Some laboratory tests may be done to check for certain elements. The doctor may even sit down with relatives to have them remark on their observations about your behavior. Some uses of drugs or alcohol are responsible for some symptoms. Although this does not eliminate the possibility of bipolar disorder, they may be the reason. There is also the possibility that drug abuse is a symptom of bipolar.

Medications are used to treat the bipolar disorder. These medications are used to treat both the manic and depression phases and can prevent from future symptoms. Antidepressant drugs can be used during the depression phase if they are used with a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilizers ensure that the antidepressants do not trigger a manic episode, so they are critical to control the bipolar disorder. Some drugs may be used to help a person that has completely lost a sense of reality. Drugs for anxiety may be used. The patient can stay in a hospital until their disorder and symptoms are under control. Ensuring that patients get enough sleep in order for them to maintain a stable mood is critical. Support groups are helpful for not only the patients but their family members.

Medications that stabilize the patient's mood can control the symptoms felt. They may need help and support in order to take this medication. Although people stop taking medications due to their episodes decreasing, this is the result of mania. Symptoms of mania when taking medication can lead to thoughts of creativity and wanting to feel productive, so they get urges to stop the medication early. This will result in negative consequences. Suicidal thoughts and ideas are very serious symptoms during bipolar disorder. Emergency attention is required for these to be taken under control.

Some complications may arise if medications are not taken correctly or stopped altogether. Alcohol and drug abuse can become a common occurrence as patients try to self-medicate. Mood swings can have an impact on relationships, work, and finances. Suicidal thoughts can continue to appear.

The most important thing to realize about bipolar disorder is that it is real and serious. Friends and family members of patients need to be aware of the situation. Neglecting a bipolar patients is a serious danger, so be aware of what you can do to help treat someone with the bipolar disorder.