Definition
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression . The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.
Symptoms
The manic phase may last from days to months and include the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood
- Racing thoughts
- Hyperactivity
- Increased energy
- Lack of self-control
- Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)
- Over-involvement in activities
- Reckless behavior
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Definition
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression . The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.
Symptoms
The manic phase may last from days to months and include the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood
- Racing thoughts
- Hyperactivity
- Increased energy
- Lack of self-control
- Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)
- Over-involvement in activities
- Reckless behavior
- Spending sprees
- Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
- Sexual promiscuity
- Impaired judgment
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Causes
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder results from disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate mood. During manic periods, a person with bipolar disorder may be overly impulsive and energetic, with an exaggerated sense of self. The depressed phase brings overwhelming feelings of anxiety, low self-worth, and suicidal thoughts.
There are two primary types of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder I have had at least one fully manic episode with periods of major depression . In the past, bipolar disorder I was called manic depression.
People with bipolar disorder II seldom experience full-fledged mania. Instead they experience periods of hypomania (elevated levels of energy and impulsiveness that are not as extreme ...
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Treatment
Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood-stabilizing medications such as valproic acid, lithium, and carbamazepine. These are effective for treating both the manic and depressive phases, as well as preventing future symptoms.
Antidepressant drugs may be useful during the depressive phase IF the antidepressants are used with a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilizers are very important in people with bipolar disorder. Without a mood stabilizer, antidepressants may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. (Keep in mind that people with bipolar disorder II may be misdiagnosed with depression only because they do not experience full-fledged mania. If these patients take antidepressants without mood stabilizers, it can trigger a manic episode.)
Anti-psychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality. Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, ...
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Other Names
Manic depression; Bipolar affective disorder
Possible Complications
Stopping or improperly taking medication can lead to symptoms coming back and the following complications:
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse may be used as a strategy to "self-medicate."
- Personal relationships, work, and finances may suffer as a result of mood swings.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a very real complication of bipolar disorder.
This illness is challenging to treat. Patients and their friends and family must be aware of the risks of neglecting to treat bipolar disorder.
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Mood-stabilizing medication can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, patients often need help and support to take medicine properly and to ensure that any episodes of mania and depression are treated as early as possible.
Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because they want to experience the productivity and creativity associated with mania. Although these early manic states may feel good, discontinuing medication may have very negative consequences.
Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. Suicidal thoughts, ideas, and gestures in people with bipolar affective disorder require immediate emergency attention.
Exams and Tests
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder involves consideration of many factors. The health care provider may do some or all of the following:
- Observe your behavior and mood
- Obtain your medical history, including any medical problems you have and any medications you take
- Ask about your recent mood swings and how long you've experienced them
- Ask about your family medical history, particularly whether anyone has or had bipolar disorder
- Perform a thorough examination to identify or rule out physical causes for the symptoms
- Request laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
- Speak with your family members to discuss their observations about your behavior
Note: Use of recreational drugs may be responsible ...
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