Bipolar Disorder
By Nora El Hadidi TB 4
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a depressive disorder which affects the way a person's brain functions. About 1 in every 7 people in the country have suffered/ are suffering from Bipolar disorder. Someone who is suffering from Bipolar disorder will go between stages of mania (highs) And depression (lows).
Signs and Symptoms
Mania signs and symptoms
- Racing speech and thoughts
- Increased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reckless behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Drop of grades and inability to concentrate
- Anger, worry, and anxiety.
How does it affect someone?
Someone with Bipolar disorder will have extremely rapid mood swings and high levels of anxiety. Children who have Bipolar disorder may not experience all of the symptoms that adults experience. It is very difficult for other people to understand someone's Bipolar condition. Bipolar disorder is not a sign of laziness or weakness, it is an illness that the patient can not control.
What are other names or forms of Bipolar Disorder?
Some other names and forms for Bipolar disorder are:
- Depressive disorder
- Maniac depression
- Bipolar mood disorder
- Maniac-depressive disorder
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Maniac-depressive illness
How is it diagnosed?
A psychiatrist or a psychologist must first diagnose the disorder. Most people with Bipolar disorder are completely unaware of their condition and are never diagnosed, or most people are not properly diagnosed. If someone with Bipolar disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated, the condition will become worse. Teens with an undiagnosed condition of Bipolar disorder are more likely to abuse drugs, end up in a psychiatrist hospital, or even commit suicide.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for Bipolar disorder, although there are ways to make it better. Counseling, and psychotherapy are usually provided for the patient as well as a mood stabilizer medication, Doctors will also keep track of the patient's symptoms