Bipolar Disorder
By: Tim Hughes
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mind disorder linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain, where you can go from manic (extremely happy and energetic) to depressed in a small matter of time. In other words, you are never in the middle of energetic and slow.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder has no signs, only symptoms.
Manic Signs:
- racing speech and thoughts
- increased energy
- decreased need for sleep
- elevated mood and exaggerated optimism
- increased physical and mental activity
- poor judgement
- reckless behavior
- loss of interest in usual activity
- prolonged sad or irritable mood
- loss of energy or fatigue
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- sleeping too much or inability to sleep
- anger, worry, and anxiety
- thoughts of death or suicide.
How Does Bipolar Affect Someone?
Because brain function is involved, the ways they think, act, and feel are all affected. This makes it difficult for people to understand their condition.
What Are Some Other Names/Forms?
Names
- Manic Depression
- Manic Depressive Disorder
- Manic Depressive Illness
- Bipolar Mood Disorder
- Bipolar Effective Disorder
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymic Disorder
How Is Bipolar Diagnosed?
The doctor will want family members and people close with the patient being evaluating to tell them what they noticed and the behavior they've seen the patient acting with before having a medical exam.
How is Bipolar Treated?
Doctors and other medical professionals along with patient and family set up a treatment plan. This consists of taking medication, meeting with a psychologist or a counselor and doing psychotherapy and counseling groups. Also a doctor may give the patient a medication called Lithium which relieves Bipolar symptoms.
Interesting Fact About Bipolar:
Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in Star Wars), Brittany Spears, Kurt Cobain, and Demi Lovato are among popular names of Bipolar patients. Marilyn Monroe and Robin Williams are also thought to have Bipolar.