Mental Health Drop In Center

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder of mood characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania. Those who have bi-polar experience abnormally elevated mania and abnormally depressed states for a period of time in a way that interferes with their daily lives. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Bipolar disorder is very serious and can cause risky behavior, even suicidal tendencies. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) can include: increased energy, excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood, racing thoughts, needs little sleep, unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities,
spending sprees, and denying that anything is wrong.

Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, isolation, hopelessness; disturbances in sleep and appetite; fatigue, loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities; and problems concentrating.

Treatment

Treatment of bipolar disorder may include support groups, medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, or other strategies that you and your health care provider may want to try. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, it’s very important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better to prevent a relapse.

Conclusion

Thus, even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings, the individual often will deny that anything is wrong. Diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of an individual as well as abnormalities in behavior reported by family members, friends or co-workers, followed by secondary signs observed by a psychiatrist, nurse, social worker, clinical psychologist or other clinician in a clinical assessment.

With proper treatment — and with the support of physicians, caregivers, family and friends — those with bipolar disorder can improve and can lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Scott Barker- EzineArticles- Expert Author

Discover the Secrets of Motivation for FREE.

Amazing: How you too can Relieve Your Stress for FREE.

This article may be freely reprinted or
distributed in its entirety in any Ezine,
newsletter, blog, or website. The author’s
name, bio and website links must remain
intact and be included with every reproduction.

Share on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on TumblrSubmit to StumbleUponSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditShare on MyspaceShare via email

Filed under: Mental Health Disorders