Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It's characterized by excessive mood swings that go from high to seriously manic or depressive. More than two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. While it's not curable, it is treatable with medication and psychotherapy.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
One of the most recognizable symptoms of bipolar disorder is the mood swings. Someone who is bipolar can go from having a very high level of energy, fantastic thoughts or ideas and impulsive or reckless behavior to being very depressed and sometimes suicidal in a matter of hours or days. However, substance abuse, poor performance in school and trouble at work are a few situations that can make bipolar disorder difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms of Mania
The symptoms of mania associated with bipolar disorder can sometimes last up to three months, if it isn't treated. According to Mental Health America, some of these symptoms include:
- Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Extreme high or euphoric feelings (a person may feel on top of the world and nothing, including bad news or tragic events, can change this happiness)
- Easily irritated or distracted
- Decreased need for sleep--an individual may last for days with little or no sleep without feeling tired and unrealistic beliefs in one's ability and powers
More Symptoms of Mania
Other symptoms of the mania phase of bipolar disorder are:
- Uncharacteristically poor judgment when a person says or does things that don't match his personality quite right
- A long time acting or dressing differently
Collecting things they don't normally or become obsessed about things like cleanliness
An unusual sex drive
Drug or alcohol abuse
Aggressive or paranoid behavior
Symptoms of Depression
The depressive side of bipolar disorder has many symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, they include:
- Sadness and Hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Anxiety and Irritability
- Sleep and appetite problems
- Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
- Problems concentrating
- Chronic pain without a known cause
Treatment
Treatment is essential in order for someone to recover from bipolar disorder, keep it under control and lead a normal life. Without a combination of medication, professional therapy and support from friends, family and coworkers, a person can't fully stabilize his emotions and behavior. Without all of these elements working together, the person will continue to be manic and depressive uncontrollably. Some of the most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder are lithium, olanzapene (Zyprexa), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and divalproex sodium (Depakote). Only a health care professional can properly diagnose and treat bipolar disorder.
