Anxiety is the feeling of worry, tension and apprehension, which can be a symptom of bipolar disorder depression.  This was recognized by Dr. Emil Kraepelin, back in 1921.  He described "anxious mania", as an "excited depression", which includes "great restlessness". In his article he specifically named anxiety as one of the components of bipolar illness.  While "anxiety" may not generally be regarded as a bipolar symptom it is now recognized as one of the symptoms of this mental disorder.

Co-Morbid Condition

Anxiety can inhibit a person in two different ways either as a bipolar symptom disorder or a separate anxiety condition in addition to bipolar disease.  When this happens it is called in medical language, a "co-morbid" condition. In other words it means that the combined conditions are present, bipolar and anxiety but the later is not coming from the bipolar disorder itself.

The Experience of Anxiety

Bipolar victims usually describe their anxiety as a disturbing condition during which they can lose their normal capacity to think and judge rationally. When in their severe mode they are usually unable to control their racing thoughts and find it hard to explain the situation to anyone. Anxiety can be triggered by a number of factors, this includes, life’s experiences, physical and psychological traits. Genetics of family history can also have an implication in the makeup of this anxiety disorder.

The Brain

Recent studies have shown that there is a link between anxiety disorders and certain areas of the brain, especially the imbalance in noradrenaline, serotonin and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters with big amounts or the lack of it may contribute to the symptoms of the disease. No one can really say with certainty what the real cause of the disorder is.

Serotonin Hypothesis

Although there has been much research into the role of serotonin in the brain, the only suggestion is, anxiety is caused by abnormally increased of serotonin concentrations and depression due to abnormally decreased serotonin concentrations. This may be an oversimplification of the issue which we are just trying to hypothesize.

Alcohol Use

To suppress their anxiety,  many have chosen alcohol for temporary relief, which may make them feel relaxed for a few hours, but this is in not a good solution to the problem because alcohol will only add to the worsening of bipolar disease.

Medication Warning

While doctors may often recommend treatment for the anxiety condition with antidepressant medication, these medications can make this mental illness worse!  There have been a lot of controversies surrounding antidepressants drugs. Antidepressant drugs must always be accompanied by mood stabilizers when treating bipolar symptoms.  And also be warned that all bipolar medications may work for some and not for others and the side effects like itching or weight gain can happen to anyone.

High Risk Involved

Anxiety is a depressive mode which must be treated because the risk factors of suicide are great.  For those in this depressive mode, the present feels unbearable, the future looks hopeless and pointless, so why not end it all. If you or your friend are  thinking and feeling like this, see a doctor or therapist to help you manage your bipolar symptoms of depression  in the short and long term. Bipolar anxiety which comes under depression must not be taken lightly, for any life whether yours or your friends  is precious.