Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet

Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet

Bipolar Disorder Meaning

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

People with Bipolar Disorder have severe mood swings that affect their ability to function in daily life. These mood swings are more extreme than the normal ups and down experienced by most people.

The mood swings of Bipolar Disorder are called episodes and can last for days, weeks, or even months. Some people with Bipolar Disorder feel intense bursts of energy, joy, or irritability, followed by periods of deep sadness. Other people that have mood swings are less dramatic.

A period when the patient feels overly “high” is called an episode of mania or hypomania. (Hypomania is a less intense form of mania.) A period when the patient feels “low” or sad is called an episode of depression.

Bipolar Disorder Terms

Manic Depression

-          Another term for Bipolar Disorder

Mania

-          Period of overly “high” feelings.

Hypomania

-          Less intense form of mania or “high” feelings.

Depression

-          Period of intense “low” or sad feelings.

Bipolar I Disorder

-          Form of Bipolar Disorder where patients have one or more episodes of mania and/or depression. Some patients also lose touch of reality and experience psychotic thinking during episodes of mania.

Bipolar II Disorder

-          With this form, patients have one or more episodes of depression and at least one episode of hypomania.

Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder

-          With this form, patients experience four or more episodes within a 12 month-period.

Mixed Bipolar State

-          With this form, symptoms of mania and depression occur together.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

THE SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Symptoms of a Mania:

“I have this wonderful feeling of being able to do anything. It’s as though all this energy is coursing through me. I don’t need to sleep. I accomplish so much, but then this feeling vanishes and I find myself becoming extremely irritable…”

o   Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

o   Excessive happiness or euphoric mood

o   Extreme irritability or anger

o   Racing thought or thoughts that jump from one idea to another

o   Rapid speech

o   Trouble concentrating and focusing

o   Needing little sleep

o   Unrealistic feelings of personal power to accomplish any task

o   Poor judgment, such as excessive spending or reckless driving

o   Increased sexual drive

o   Provocative, aggressive, or risky behavior

o   Denial that anything is wrong

o   Increased use of alcohol or street drugs

Symptoms of Depression:

“I was feeling so good, but now I don’t have the energy out of bed in the morning. People tell me to just snap out of it, but I can’t. I feel so sad, but I don’t know why…”

o   Intense sadness or despair

o   Feeling of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

o   Loss of energy, feeling “slowed down”

o   Loss of interest in activities

o   Sleeping too much or too little, or difficulty staying asleep

o   Changes in appearance or weight

o   Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

o   Social isolation

o   Thoughts of death or suicide

o   Suicide attempts

Bipolar Disorder Prevention and Cure

Without treatment, most people with Bipolar Disorder have episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. The pattern of these episodes varies from person to person and at different times in an individual’s life.

With proper treatment, most people have periods where they have no symptoms. However some people may continue to have milder “breakthrough” symptoms. Patients can effectively manage Bipolar Disorder by learning his symptoms and getting treatment at the first sign of an episode.

Bipolar Disorder Case Study

Bipolar Disorder, also called Manic Depression, is more common than you might think. For example, in the USA, more than two million adults have Bipolar Disorder. It affects both men and women. The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, but they sometimes begin in childhood.

Bipolar Disorder Causes

Bipolar Disorder patients are not to blame. Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder. No one knows exactly what causes it. Doctors and scientists believe that Bipolar Disorder may happen as a result of structural and chemical changes in the brain. They think that these changes may be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nothing that the patient has done has caused it, but the patient should be aware that there are treatments that can help him feel better.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder can be successfully treated. Bipolar Disorder though is a serious, chronic illness requiring long-term treatment just like diabetes or high blood pressure. Recognizing the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and getting the right treatment as early as possible are very important. If Bipolar Disorder is not treated, it may get worse.

Many people who receive treatment and stick with their treatment plan lead active productive lives. Treatment helps them focus on their goals and achieve the things that are important to them.

Bipolar Disorder Medications

Medication is an important part of the treatment plan for Bipolar Disorder. Many people with Bipolar Disorder live better lives because they follow a treatment plan that includes medication.

Many people with Bipolar Disorder often need to take more than one type of medication. The medications work together to help control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.

Over time, the patient’s doctor may change the amount of medication the patient takes, add another medication to the treatment plan, or switch the patient to another medication completely. Adjusting the patient’s medication may help better manage his illness.

For the patient’s treatment plan to be successful, it is important for him to make taking his medications a part of his daily routine. The patient must talk with his treatment team about the things he can do to help himself remember to take his medications every day.

Working with the Treatment Team

The treatment team is made up of healthcare professionals who have been specially trained to deal with brain disorders like Bipolar Disorder. The treatment team may include some or all of the following members: Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychiatric Nurse, Social Worker, Nutritionist/Dietician, and/or Pharmacist. To get the most out of the treatment, it is important for the patient to be an active member of his treatment team. This means becoming actively involved in setting up and following the treatment plan. Many people find it helpful to involve their friends and families in this process.

A List of the Types of Medication Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder

* The patient must never stop taking his medication without first talking to his doctor. To do so may put him at risk of a setback or relapse.*

o   Mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are used in most treatment plans for Bipolar Disorder. These medications are used to control mania and to prevent recurrences of manic and depressive episodes. Treatment with these medications may reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes. They may also lessen the severity of these episodes. Bipolar Disorder can sometimes be treated with a mood stabilizer alone. Additional medications may be prescribed if episodes of mania or depression continue to occur.

o   Antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are medications that work by adjusting the level of dopamine, an important chemical in the brain. Antipsychotics are used alone or in combination with other medications to treat mania and mixed bipolar states when symptoms of mania and depression occur together. If the patient already takes a mood stabilizer, the doctor may add an antipsychotic to his treatment plan to help manage the illness.

o   Antidepressants. Antidepressants are medications that work to relieve the signs of depression and anxiety. The patient’s doctor may add an antidepressant to the patient’s treatment plan if the patient needs more than a mood stabilizer to control his symptoms.

o   Benzodiazepines. These medications are sometimes prescribed for people with Bipolar Disorder to help reduce anxiety and help them sleep.

Side Effects of the Medications

*The patient must let his doctor know about the side effects of his medication. All medications may cause side effects. If the patient experiences side effects with any medication he is taking, he must talk with his doctor. He or she can give the patient helpful tips on how to manage side effects and stick with the treatment plan. The patient must be sure to tell his doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and natural supplements the patient is taking as these may increase side effects.

Next Article: Managing Bipolar Disorder: How to Manage Bipolar Disorder

(c) Ae Dechavez

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