Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, energy and ability to perform duties. Unlike normal variations in mood that all people have symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and can result in damage to relationships, poor performance at work and study, and even suicide. But there is good news, because people experiencing manic depression can be treated and lead productive lives.
The manic depression causes dramatic changes in mood - super elated to sad and hopeless - and these variations are repeated often with periods of normal mood in between. Dramatic changes in energy and behavior accompany these mood changes. The periods of "high" and "low" moods are called mania and depression. Individual with bipolar disorder often called "manic-depression" by laymen.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of the manic phase include:
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more other symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day for a week or more. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.
Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes include:
A depressive episode is diagnosed when five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
A moderate episode of mania is called hypomania, in which the person feels well, and may be associated with increased productivity. Although even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as a possible early manic-depressive illness, the person may deny that anything is wrong. However, without proper treatment, hypomania can become severe in some people manic, or switch to depression.
Sometimes severe episodes of mania or depression may include psychotic symptoms. The most common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing or sensing the presence of things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs strong and that is not explained by logic nor influenced by cultural concepts explained usual person). Psychotic symptoms in manic depression tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandeur may occur during mania, while delusions of guilt may appear during depression. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia.
In some people the symptoms of mania and depression may occur together in what is called a mixed bipolar state. Symptoms of a mixed state may include agitation, trouble sleeping, significant change in appetite, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. A person may have a mood very sad and hopeless to even have to feel extremely energized.
Causes
Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists agree that there is only one cause for bipolar disorder, but many factors act together to produce the illness.
Since bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers are looking for a specific gene that could increase the likelihood of developing the disease. However, bipolar disorder is not solely genetic. Studies of identical twins, who share the same genes, indicate that other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. Additionally, findings of genetic research suggest that bipolar disorder does not occur due to a single gene. It seems that many genes act together and in combination with other environmental factors cause the person to bipolar disorder.
Treatment
Most people with bipolar disorder, even in its more severe forms, can achieve substantial stabilization of mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Since the bipolar disorder is a recurrent disease, the long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. The treatment strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is the best indication to control the disease.
In most cases bipolar disorder is far better controlled if treatment is continuous. However, even when there is no stopping in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to the doctor. The medical monitoring closely, and open communication about concerns about the treatment, can make a difference in their efficiency.
Additionally, registering treatments, daily symptoms, sleep patterns and even life events may help people with bipolar disorder and their families better understand the disease. This record may also help the doctor track and treat bipolar disorder more effectively.
Although the episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go, it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a disease that currently has no cure. Following the treatment, even at times when the person is well, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chances of having recurrent episodes more severe.
The manic depression causes dramatic changes in mood - super elated to sad and hopeless - and these variations are repeated often with periods of normal mood in between. Dramatic changes in energy and behavior accompany these mood changes. The periods of "high" and "low" moods are called mania and depression. Individual with bipolar disorder often called "manic-depression" by laymen.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of the manic phase include:
- Increased energy, activity and restlessness.
- Euphoria excessive.
- Extreme irritability.
- Thoughts flying and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another.
- Lack of concentration.
- Little need for sleep.
- Unrealistic belief in their abilities.
- Trials poor.
- Period lasting behavior different than usual.
- Increased sexual desire.
- Abuse of drugs, particularly alcohol, cocaine and sleeping pills.
- Behavior provocative, intrusive or aggressive.
- Denial that anything is wrong.
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more other symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day for a week or more. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.
Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes include:
- Bad humor, sadness and anxiety.
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, including sex.
- Fall of energy and feelings of fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions.
- Irritability and restlessness.
- Sleeping too much or lack of sleep.
- Changes in appetite and weight loss or gain unintentional.
- Chronic pain or other bodily symptoms that are not caused by disease or injury.
- Thoughts of suicide and death, or suicide attempt.
A depressive episode is diagnosed when five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
A moderate episode of mania is called hypomania, in which the person feels well, and may be associated with increased productivity. Although even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as a possible early manic-depressive illness, the person may deny that anything is wrong. However, without proper treatment, hypomania can become severe in some people manic, or switch to depression.
Sometimes severe episodes of mania or depression may include psychotic symptoms. The most common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing or sensing the presence of things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs strong and that is not explained by logic nor influenced by cultural concepts explained usual person). Psychotic symptoms in manic depression tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandeur may occur during mania, while delusions of guilt may appear during depression. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia.
In some people the symptoms of mania and depression may occur together in what is called a mixed bipolar state. Symptoms of a mixed state may include agitation, trouble sleeping, significant change in appetite, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. A person may have a mood very sad and hopeless to even have to feel extremely energized.
Causes
Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists agree that there is only one cause for bipolar disorder, but many factors act together to produce the illness.
Since bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers are looking for a specific gene that could increase the likelihood of developing the disease. However, bipolar disorder is not solely genetic. Studies of identical twins, who share the same genes, indicate that other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. Additionally, findings of genetic research suggest that bipolar disorder does not occur due to a single gene. It seems that many genes act together and in combination with other environmental factors cause the person to bipolar disorder.
Treatment
Most people with bipolar disorder, even in its more severe forms, can achieve substantial stabilization of mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Since the bipolar disorder is a recurrent disease, the long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. The treatment strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is the best indication to control the disease.
In most cases bipolar disorder is far better controlled if treatment is continuous. However, even when there is no stopping in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to the doctor. The medical monitoring closely, and open communication about concerns about the treatment, can make a difference in their efficiency.
Additionally, registering treatments, daily symptoms, sleep patterns and even life events may help people with bipolar disorder and their families better understand the disease. This record may also help the doctor track and treat bipolar disorder more effectively.
Although the episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go, it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a disease that currently has no cure. Following the treatment, even at times when the person is well, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chances of having recurrent episodes more severe.