Bipolar disorder is best understood when one breaks down the diagnostic term into smaller segments. Polar means to be at an extreme end and bi means two. Bipolar then, means two extreme ends. Individuals with bipolar disorder typically experience extreme high or manic moods and extreme low or depressive moods. Bipolar disorder I is the form of the disorder which symptoms include cycles of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder II has the same symptoms but to a lesser degree. Unipolar depression describes the patient who only experiences the depressive episodes of this disorder with no manic symptoms. Manic and depressive symptoms can occur at the same time and when they do, the patient is said to be having a mixed episode. Rapid cycling is a term used to describe the state of the individual who has four or more manic or depressive episodes in one year. Episodes can last anywhere in the range of hours to months.
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depression as it is also called, can be difficult to diagnose and patients might have to wait several years to be accurately diagnosed and could be wrongly diagnosed on several occasions before actually having the bipolar disorder identified. Individuals with manic-depression are more apt to discuss depressive episodes with their healthcare provider than they are to report manic episodes. There are no blood tests or scans that can show a definite diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Healthcare providers rely primarily on symptoms and family history and to diagnose manic depression. Certain scales and questionnaires are used to assess the symptoms the patient is having. Among them are the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and the Goldberg’s Depression and Mania scales. Undiagnosed and\or untreated bipolar disorder can impact relationships, work and nearly every area of the individuals’ life that has the disorder. Marriage partners with this disorder, have an increased tendency toward marital strife and divorce. Individuals with manic depression on occasion, might require hospitalization to adjust medication and/or for their safety. Individuals with manic depression are at a higher risk for suicide and alcohol/drug use.
The manic phase of bipolar disorder is characterized by: abnormally increased amounts of energy and activity, irritability, an abnormal increase in the amount talking and the speed at which the individual speaks, recklessness, poor handling of money and business matters, an abnormal decrease in the need to sleep, feelings of being able to do things that are unrealistic, extreme optimism, a decreased ability to concentrate, having racing thoughts and an abnormal amount of sexual thoughts.
The depression symptoms of bipolar disorder are: feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in things that are normally of interest, agitation and restlessness, feeling of guilt and/or failure abnormal sleeping and eating patterns, lack of enjoyment in life, difficulty making choices, fatigue, anxiety and thoughts of suicide and death.
The cause of bipolar disorder is not yet known. It is theorized to be a chemical imbalance in the brain and is suspected to be genetically linked. Individuals experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder should honestly and openly discuss such symptoms with their heath care provider. Medications are being researched and marketed currently for the treatment of bipolar disorder and Lithium is often prescribed for mania. While there is not a cure for the disorder, a patient can live a relatively normal life with appropriate medication, education, professional care and support.
