Bipolar Disorder And The Symptoms
Ray Stone
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. Bipolar
disorder is a psychological disorder that effects a person's
mood. The mood swings are very extreme with a manic (high
elation) phase and a very deep depressive phase. There is
estimated to effect approximately 1% of the adult population.
There is also evidence that shows that neither men nor women
have a greater chance of suffering from bipolar disorder than
the other. Bipolar is the third most common disorder after
major depression and dysthymic disorder (a mild but persistent
form of depression). Because of the extreme psychological
disturbances caused by bipolar disorder, it can destroy lives.
Alcohol and drug problems are often present in sufferers and
without proper medication and care, it leads to 20% of
sufferers committing suicide.
Many people experience a depressive phase most of the time,
while only experiencing very few manic episodes. It is the
swing between moods that people find hardest to deal with.
Although no one would care to feel deeply depressed.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder and it is a life-long
condition that often needs to be controlled with medication.
Lithium is used to help control mania phases of people who
suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar often begins in
adolescence or early adulthood, and continues throughout life.
Bipolar disorder is very seldom diagnosed in people who are 40
years old and above.
Types of Phases
Although it is generally accepted that bipolar disorder
alternates the sufferers mood between mania and depression, the
American Psychiatric Association has identified four different
moods that are experienced in varying degrees of intensity and
length, or not at all.
Depression - typical depression from a lack of motivation or
interest in anything including eating to thoughts and attempts
at suicide.
Mania - often begins with an elated or euphoric feeling. can
also cause a sufferer to feel angry and irritable.
Hypomania - a milder form of mania where the person feels good
and feels they are becoming more productive with their life.
Mixed mood - a mixed episode is characterized by experiencing
feelings of mania and depression all in the same day.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder symptoms are disturbances or abnormality of
moods with the sufferer alternating between a manic phase and a
depressive phase repetitively.
Depressive Phase Symptoms
Very deep negative moods often with thoughts or attempts at
suicide.
Eating disorders.
No interest in activities enjoyed in the past.
None or very little interest in sex.
No self esteem.
Sleeping problems high an low.
Feeling guilty.
Manic Phase Symptoms
Excessive high or euphoric feelings along with many grand or
over-ambitious ideas or plans.
Excessive amounts of energy.
Unnaturally high self-esteem and self-belief.
Increased sex drive which may lead to promiscuity and
aggressive sexual behaviour.
Extreme irritability and easily distracted.
Alcohol and drug abuse, usually cocaine and sleeping
medication.
Little need for sleep.
Manic phase lasts at least one week.
About The Author: Ray Stone
http://www.perfectdrugrx.com (c)
2006, PerfectDrugRx. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints
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