Manic depression, more properly known as bipolar disorder, affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans. A major affective (mood) disorder, those afflicted by this illness experience episodes of both mania and severe depression.
It is a serious and very real disease, believed to be brought on by chemical imbalances in the brain. While everyone has up and down moods sometimes, the peaks and valleys of this illness are more severe and can negatively impact all areas of your life.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by huge shifts in mood, thinking, energy and behavior, resulting in manic behavior at one end and then major depression at the other. These extremes are not merely a temporary change in mood -- they can last for days, weeks, or even months.
While manic, someone might experience tremendous highs in energy, requiring little sleep. They may act erratically, even dangerously at times, and show severe lack of judgment. Hallmarks of this reckless behavior can include drinking, drug or even food binges, spending sprees, or sexual promiscuity. While in a manic state, a person may experience delusions of grandeur, racing thoughts and increased irritability.
The depressive phase of this illness has symptoms similar to the more common mental illness of clinical depression. In many ways, it is the opposite of mania. In a depressive state, a person might lack the energy or motivation to get out of bed all day. He or she may be overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness or loneliness. Sometimes, the sufferer may be completely apathetic and have no interest in the activities they usually enjoy.
While some people may endure both manic and depressive periods equally, it is often the case that the depressive state of the illness is more pronounced. Mania may be mild enough that it is relatively unnoticeable.
In some severe cases, the sufferer may experience psychosis, or a break with reality where the individual's thinking is affected along with his or her mood. This can happen in either the manic or depressive phases.
Bipolar disorder affects nearly every part of a person's life, extending also to the physical condition of the sufferer. It is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine headaches. Furthermore, people with bipolar disorder are at a high risk of committing suicide, and may abuse alcohol or drugs in either phase of the disease (which, unfortunately, often serves to worsen the symptoms).
Determining whether or not someone has bipolar disorder requires the expertise of a qualified mental health professional. Psychiatric treatment of this disease is critically important for those who are diagnosed. Medication plays an essential role in treatment, but the best approach includes therapy and lifestyle changes as well. Regular exercise, healthy, routine sleep patterns, a balanced diet and a nurturing environment where stress is minimized can greatly help improve life quality for sufferers of this disease.
Usually, medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist (although in some states, other mental health professionals may prescribe medication as well). There are many different types of medication, and each person responds differently to them. Your mental health practitioner may need to try several until satisfactory results are achieved.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, see a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible. Don't lose hope -- proper treatment of the illness can help restore you to a happy, fulfilling life while lessening the effects of both mania and depression. - 31521
It is a serious and very real disease, believed to be brought on by chemical imbalances in the brain. While everyone has up and down moods sometimes, the peaks and valleys of this illness are more severe and can negatively impact all areas of your life.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by huge shifts in mood, thinking, energy and behavior, resulting in manic behavior at one end and then major depression at the other. These extremes are not merely a temporary change in mood -- they can last for days, weeks, or even months.
While manic, someone might experience tremendous highs in energy, requiring little sleep. They may act erratically, even dangerously at times, and show severe lack of judgment. Hallmarks of this reckless behavior can include drinking, drug or even food binges, spending sprees, or sexual promiscuity. While in a manic state, a person may experience delusions of grandeur, racing thoughts and increased irritability.
The depressive phase of this illness has symptoms similar to the more common mental illness of clinical depression. In many ways, it is the opposite of mania. In a depressive state, a person might lack the energy or motivation to get out of bed all day. He or she may be overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness or loneliness. Sometimes, the sufferer may be completely apathetic and have no interest in the activities they usually enjoy.
While some people may endure both manic and depressive periods equally, it is often the case that the depressive state of the illness is more pronounced. Mania may be mild enough that it is relatively unnoticeable.
In some severe cases, the sufferer may experience psychosis, or a break with reality where the individual's thinking is affected along with his or her mood. This can happen in either the manic or depressive phases.
Bipolar disorder affects nearly every part of a person's life, extending also to the physical condition of the sufferer. It is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine headaches. Furthermore, people with bipolar disorder are at a high risk of committing suicide, and may abuse alcohol or drugs in either phase of the disease (which, unfortunately, often serves to worsen the symptoms).
Determining whether or not someone has bipolar disorder requires the expertise of a qualified mental health professional. Psychiatric treatment of this disease is critically important for those who are diagnosed. Medication plays an essential role in treatment, but the best approach includes therapy and lifestyle changes as well. Regular exercise, healthy, routine sleep patterns, a balanced diet and a nurturing environment where stress is minimized can greatly help improve life quality for sufferers of this disease.
Usually, medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist (although in some states, other mental health professionals may prescribe medication as well). There are many different types of medication, and each person responds differently to them. Your mental health practitioner may need to try several until satisfactory results are achieved.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, see a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible. Don't lose hope -- proper treatment of the illness can help restore you to a happy, fulfilling life while lessening the effects of both mania and depression. - 31521
About the Author:
Ron Zedek is a psychiatrist dedicated to helping people resolve issues and learn coping skills. He provides psychotherapy and innovative, progressive medication in the Las Vegas area for many conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and others. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services
