Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder have periods of mania and depression that alternate (persons lasting a few days to a few months). Sometimes with periods of normal moods in between. Mania is a state in which a person becomes euphoric (“high”), extremely active, excessively talkative, and easily distracted. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities, and perhaps excessive guilt or feeling of worthlessness.

Bipolar disorder is less common than depression and occurs equally in both men and women. It is strongly linked to heredity. It is often treated with medication. Studies have identified a specific variation of the 22 chromosome that appears to increase an individual’s susceptibility to bipolar disorder by influencing the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (Hashimoto et al, 2005; Karatomi et al, 2008).

Bipolar can being easiest diagnosed by it signs and symptoms of back and forth mood swings between depression and mania. There are different types of bipolar, I will discuss them below.

Bipolar I is when a person has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I except a person experiences four or more episode of mania or depression in one year. About 10 to 20% of people with bipolar have rapid cycling. Mixed bipolar a person experiences both mania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence. Cyclothymia is a relatively mild mood disorder where the symptoms are milder than full blown bipolar.

Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves medications and therapy. So medications that are used are antipsychotic drugs, benzodiazepine, and/or lithium to control the hyperactivity, sleeplessness, hostility, and irritability. Mood stabilizers may be prescribed as well. The goal of these medications is to stabilized the moods so that a person with bipolar does not go through the mania and depression mood swings....