With early bipolar treatment families can live a normal life.

In the United States alone, 5.7 million adults are diagnosed with  bipolar manic depressive disorder. Also, of the 3.4 million American children and adolescents diagnosed of depression are highly likely to experience bipolar depression or bipolar manic depressive disorder symptoms. The National Health Institute of Mental Health (NHIMH) also states that the condition can reduce up to 9.2 years life span caused by suicide or self-destructive behavior. Hence, bipolar depression or bipolar manic depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of human disability.

Symptoms of Bipolar – Depression
Definition

Bipolar manic depressive disorder is a psychiatric illness that causes unusual and sudden changes to mood, activity and energy levels, which affect an individual's ability to carry out their day to day tasks. Manic depression symptoms go from feeling very sad, helpless and despaired  to shift of feeling euphoric happiness, being overly active and practically on top of the world. The problem with manic episodes is it may severe relationships, affect job and school performance, or even cause suicide.

Symptoms

Bipolar manic depressive disorder symptoms include high levels of energy, inability to sleep, having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative. Bipolar depression symptoms include low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt. A patient may experience several of these symptoms for a few days, weeks or even months.

Bipolar symptoms can occur at a very young age, but most usually occur during late teen or early adult years.  According to the Bipolar disorder statistics, women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one's risk of developing bipolar symptoms.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosis involves physical examinations, interview, lab tests like blood work and brain scans and evaluation of the patient's medical history. After a complete diagnostic evaluation, the doctor may provide referral to a trained mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, who is more experienced in handling bipolar disorder. Proper and immediate diagnosis is extremely important in helping bipolar manic depressive disorder sufferers lead a normal life. It will also help provide the right kind of treatment that will reduce the frequency or severity of the symptoms.

Treatment

A combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually recommended to effectively prevent relapse of bipolar manic depressive disorder episodes. Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, and anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine, aripiprazolw, quetiapine, risperidone) and antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed among bipolar patients. These are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In some cases, sleep medications or sedatives are recommended to patients having trouble sleeping. Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy' provides support, guidance and education among bipolar patients as well as their families. It involves several approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, intrapersonal and social rhythm therapy and psycho education.

Warning

There are other illnesses that may coexist with bipolar manic depressive disorder, making it more difficult to diagnose and treatment. Substance abuse may prolong or trigger bipolar symptoms and cause behavioral problems associated with bipolar manic disorder. Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress, social phobia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may overlap with bipolar disorder. Also, people suffering this condition have higher risks of developing thyroid disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other physical illnesses. Hence, seeking professional help upon experiencing symptoms of bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder is advised.