Nature of Bipolar Disorder

Many people are still confused on what to believe about the nature and diagnosis of the disease. One classic myth states that bipolar manic depressive disorder is a single identifiable disorder. Actually, bipolar is categorized as a class of mood disorder where a person suffers episodes of depression and mania or mixed states. In between episodes, a bipolar patient may not show any symptoms.

Another belief states that this mental condition cannot be diagnosed in its early stages. That is not exactly true. While there are no physical tests involved in diagnosing bipolar disorder, more accurate diagnosis is performed using psychiatric laboratory tests and psychiatric rating scales, which involve the patient's medical and psychiatric history and notes of observable behavior.

While most bipolar patients are adults, it was somehow generalized that children do not get bipolar. Actually, infants can show signs of the disease at a very early age. Although the symptoms on both children and adults are often mistaken as part of growing up or growing old, severe mood changes needs to be taken seriously. A complete physical examination and psychological evaluation must be in order.

Lastly, many believe that bipolar manic depressive disorder is a rare condition. The “Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation” estimate at least three quarters of a million of American Children and teens is suffering from the disease. According to WebMD.com, about 5.7 million American adults are suffering from this mental condition.  A lot of people believe that this condition is just another name for mood swing, the mood swings of bipolar patient is more severe, lasting and may interfere with normal activities.

On Treatment

Many believe that depression is just a state of mind and it does not really require all those pills and therapy. They believe that by thinking positively, bipolar episodes will just go away. Bipolar manic depressive disorder is as real as diabetes or cancer, which needs immediate treatment. It requires more than "snapping out of it" to feel better.

People are normally anxious about taking medications. Among bipolar patients, the fear that medications can cause side effects, addiction and change of one's personality is prevalent. Actually, doctors prescribe medications with specific instructions and dosages to their use. This way, they will never become addictive. Medications helps keep mood episodes stable and even, not cloud a person's judgment. To some, this disease can be a lifetime battle. Hence the myth that people with bipolar will never get better. A patient who is correctly diagnosed and treated enjoys greater chances of living a stable, normal and healthy life.

Reminder

One must remember that bipolar manic depressive disorder symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are different from patient to patient. The disease looks very different to different people. Some people are prone to mania, some to depression. Some immediately react positively to medications, some do not. Hence, it is never safe to generalize opinions about this condition. Seeking truth in every bipolar myth is the key to fully understanding the demands and calls of this preventable, treatable and manageable mental health condition.

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.