Bi-Polar Disorder
By Jeremy Chen
What is Bi-Polar Disorder?
Bi-Polar Disorder is a depressive disorder. That basically means that it slows down bodily functions.
Signs and Symptoms
Manic Signs and Symptoms
- Racing speech and thoughts
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Inflated self-importance
- Loss of interest in normal and common everyday activities
- Loss of energy
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Drop in school grades
How does Bi-Polar Disorder affect someone?
- Rapid mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Other names and forms for Bi-Polar Disorder
- Manic Depression
- Manic Depressive Disorder
- Manic Depressive Illness
- Bi-Polar Mood Disorder
- Bi-Polar affective disorder
- Bi-Polar 1
- Bi-Polar 2
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Bi-Polar disorder not otherwise specified
How is Bi-Polar Disorder diagnosed?
There is no easy way to diagnose Bi-Polar disorder, as Bi-Polar Disorder has many similarities to other mental illnesses. The only consistent (albeit not the most efficient or accurate way) method to diagnose Bi-Polar Disorder, is to examine the medical history of the patient, and to have a discussion with the patient's parents about behavior.
How is Bi-Polar Disorder treated?
There is no way to completely treat Bi-Polar Disorder, as with most other mental illnesses. However, there are ways to lessen the effect of Bi-Polar Disorder, through three methods. The first is a treatment plan. The second is a mood-stabilizer or mood-stabilizing drug, that helps to prevent excessive mood swinging that is common in people with Bi-Polar Disorder. The third method is simply through counseling, making sure that people with Bi-Polar Disorder aren't doing anything that could worsen or even kill.
Facts
- People suffering from BPD (Bi-Polar Disorder) will abuse drugs.
- Suicide is a major cause of death for people with BPD