Bipolar Depression
David McEvoy
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar depression, manic depression and bipolar affective
disorder are all terms used to describe a highly complex
and serious mood disorder that is characterized by extreme
manic episodes (highs) and severe depressive episodes
(lows). It usually begins in young adulthood, although not
always, and continues for life.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet on
depression, one in ten people suffer from Bipolar disorder.
No one really knows what causes it, but genetics is
thought to play a major role as it has a tendency to run in
families.
Symptoms of a depressive episode
A depressive episode can be diagnosed if five or more of
the following symptoms are present for most of the time for
a period of at least 2 weeks.
• feeling sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being
"slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are
not caused by physical illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Symptoms of a manic episode
A manic episode can be diagnosed if at least 3 of the
symptoms occur along with an elevated mood for most of the
time for at least a week, which is not related to alcohol
or substance abuse or a medical condition. If the overall
mood is one of irritability then another 4 symptoms must be
present.
• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Excessively "high," euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts, talking quickly, jumping from one idea
to another
• Distractibility, lack off concentration
• Little sleep needed
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A lasting period of behaviour that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Provocative or aggressive behaviour
• Denial that anything is wrong
Types of Bipolar Disorder
The frequency and severity of each episode and the gaps in
between them will vary significantly from person to person
with no clear pattern that is applicable to all. If we
consider that at one end of the scale there is severe
depression and at the other end of the scale there is full
blown mania, in between there are progressive stages of
moderate to mild depression, then normal moods, following
on up the scale to hypomania and then mania.
Some people will have many depressive episodes and the odd
spell of hypomania; others can experience mania much more
often with a depressive episode only happening from time to
time. Others may have both together, which is known as
mixed state bipolar. Other types of Bipolar include Bipolar
1, Bipolar 2, Rapid Cycling and Cyclothymia.
The symptoms of Bipolar 1 involve recurrent manic and
depressive episodes with either stable periods in between
or going directly from a depressive episode into a manic
phase or vice versa. Periods of depression can last for
only a short time or for months. Bipolar 11 usually
involves mild manic periods, or even no mania, but more
depressive episodes. When an individual experiences many
manic or depressive episodes or fluctuations between both
within a relatively short space of time it is known as
rapid cycling, and Cyclothymia is where the mood swings are
not as severe as other types but the episodes can last for
much longer.
Each person's experience is unique and because it happens
in episodes, there are periods where the individual behaves
perfectly normal which can make diagnosis problematic.
Some people can have bipolar disorder for years before they
seek help and others may not seek help at all. Without
treatment, bipolar disorder can have a devastating effect
on relationships and work; can result in huge debts being
run up, crimes committed, alcohol and substance abuse and
even suicide.
Living with Bipolar
Medication will usually be prescribed to deal with the
different aspects of the disorder. For example, Lithium is
often used to stabilize the mood, as it can effectively
control and help prevent both manic and depressive episodes.
Other drugs may be prescribed in conjunction with Lithium
to treat symptoms such as insomnia and those of depression.
During manic episodes it might be necessary to use
antipsychotic medication such as haloperidol or
chlorpromazine. In particularly severe episodes, the
sufferer may be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Various forms of psychotherapy may also be offered in
addition to medication.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder that affects not
only the sufferer but their family and friends too so
learning about the different mood states, the symptoms that
accompany them and the type of event or situation that
might trigger an episode can be invaluable in helping to
prevent future relapses. It allows the individual to take
preventative measures, and to recognise the signs of any
impending episode so they can seek appropriate help.
About the Author:
Depression and anxiety are serious conditions that can
strike anyone at anytime. For more information about
depression and self help come and visit
http://www.fightingdepression.co.u
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