Characteristics of Bipolar Disorders

Characteristics of Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain

disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and

ability to function (Mental Help Net, 2004). Different from the normal

ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar

disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor

job or school performance, and even suicide.

Bipolar Disorder is broken down into two types:

Bipolar I: For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder, at least one manic

or mixed episode clearly is or has been present (APA, 2000). DSM-IV

Criteria for Bipolar I Disorder consists of:

One or more Manic or Mixed episodes

Commonly accompanied by a history of one or more major depressive

episodes, but not required for the diagnosis.

Manic or Mixed episodes cannot be due to a medical condition,

medication, drugs of abuse, toxins or treatment for depression.

Symptoms cannot be accounted for by a psychotic disorder.

Mania is sometimes referred to as the other extreme to depression.

Mania is an intense high where the person feels euphoric, almost

indestructible in areas such as personal finances, business dealings,

or relationships. They may have an elevated self-esteem, be more

talkative than usual, have flight of ideas, a reduced need for sleep,

and be easily distracted. The high, although it may sound appealing,

will often lead to severe difficulties in these areas, such as

spending much more money than intended, making extremely rash business

and personal decisions, involvement in dangerous sexual behavior,

and/or the use of drugs or alcohol. Depression i...

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...ue with the medications.

The third aspect involves the clinician and family and the subject of

education. The clinician must help educate both the patient and the

family about bipolar illness. They need to be aware of the dangers of

substance abuse, the situations that would lead to relapse, and the

essential role of medications. Support groups for patients and

families are of tremendous importance.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical

manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Mental Help Net. (2004). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved February 5, 2004,

from http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=4

Soreff, S. (2004). Bipolar Affective Disorder. eMedicine Journal.

Retrieved February 5, 2004, from

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic229.htm