What is Bipolar Disease?

Bipolar disease or disorder used to be diagnosed under the name of manic disorder or manic depression. It is a mental condition which can be quite dangerous usually leading to some very risky behavior. Many experience destruction of relationships, difficulties with careers and perhaps even suicide or suicidal tendencies.

Many behavioral changes are noticed during the different episodes of bipolar depression. During a manic stage it may be periods of fast talking, jumping from one idea to the next or being easily distracted. On the other side of the coin, during a manic depressive episode, a person might find themselves being overly tired and having trouble concentrating or making decisions. You may also experience a change in eating or sleeping habits.

These are all normal, natural reactions for people with bipolar disorder. They can range from mild to severe, and all require different methods of treatment in order to stabilize them.

What is Bipolar?

Most people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder are those who experience depression first. Some of the most common symptoms of depression are;

decreased energy and/or fatigue

trouble with making decisions, remembering details and concentration

pessimism

hopelessness

restlessness or irritability

feeling helpless, guilty or worthless

disruption or change in sleeping habits

loss of appetite or overeating

various aches and pains which aren’t alleviated with treatment

There are other symptoms as well, but these are among those most seen in people suffering from depression. Any action or expression of suicide or suicidal thought should not be taken lightly from anyone, but especially by those who demonstrate other symptoms of depression. They should be urged ...

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...types of medications, such as lithium, which are both reliable and well-tolerated by most patients.

Atypical anti-psychotics – newer and more expensive medications for patients who suffer from bipolar disorder. They provide a wider range of relief for symptoms, but are also known to cause a higher range of side effects.

Psychotherapy – helps to keep the person with bipolar disorder more stable and helps to prevent relapses.

As you can see, this is a complex disorder. However, by following a plan worked out especially for the patient, life can return to ‘normal’ again relatively quickly. The important factors to remember are to continually take any medications prescribed, bipolar is a lifelong disorder, and with the help and understanding of friends and family, anyone with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel like a whole different person in no time at all.