Bipolar disorder is
known for its ups and downs. But does it go beyond the typical
person's up-and-down feelings during life, and how far? This
disorder, which is also referred to as manic-depressive illness, is
a brain disorder that causes the characteristic ups and downs,
according to the National Institute of Mental Health
Web site.
Those who have the
disorder may have mood swings and extreme changes in energy and
activity levels. This might seem like a severe case of PMS to some, but it’s
not. Thankfully there are many treatment options out there, though
people can suffer with the disorder throughout a lifetime. Most
develop the disorder in late teen years or adulthood, according to
NIMH.
There are two parts
of bipolar
disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Web site. There is mania and depression. Mania is the
more energetic part of bipolar
disorder, which includes risk taking, impulsive activities
(like sex, shopping and alcohol/drug abuse), quick speech and
thoughts, superior strength and brain activity, sleep deprivation
with no fatigue, etc.
Besides mania, there is the depression aspect of
bipolar
disorder. This includes the common symptoms of lack of
energy, fatigue, inconsistent sleeping patterns, feelings of
loss and uselessness, suicidal thoughts, irritability, guilt,
lack of concentration and decreased interest in previously
enjoyable activities, among other symptoms.
The mania and
depression phase
of bipolar
disorder can either happen separately or together. When the
phases happen together, this is called a mixed state. That is where
the popular definition of bipolar disorder stems
from.
There are four
types of bipolar
disorder, according to
www.kidshealth.org. These four types are Bipolar I, Bipolar II,
Cyclothymic Disorder or Bipolar
Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The sad thing is that many
people with bipolar
disorder are not diagnosed properly or are never treated,
according to the Web site.
Before diagnosing a
patient, doctors need to be completely sure that they are treating
a patient for the correct mental illness. If not, symptoms can get
worse.