Bipolar+Disorder


 * What is Bipolar Disorder? **

Bipolar Disorder, sometimes called manic depression, manic depressive disorder or bipolar effective disorder, is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in energy and mood and repeated episodes of mania and depression.

**1) What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?**
__ **Mood changes** __ 1) Manic Episodes 2) Depressive Episode
 * long period of feeling 'high', or in an overly happy and outgoing mood
 * extremely irritable mood, agitation, feeling 'jumpy' or 'wired'
 * long period of feeling worried or empty
 * loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

1) Manic episodes 2) Depressive episode
 * __Behavioral Changes__**
 * talking very fast, having racing thoughts
 * easily distracted
 * restless
 * sleeping little
 * having an unrealistic belief in one's abilities
 * behaving impulsively and taking part in pleasurable, high risk behaviors
 * feeling tired or 'slowed down'
 * having trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
 * being restless or irritable
 * changing eating and sleeping habits
 * thinking or attempting death or suicide
 * feeling guilty and anxious

**2) How to Diagnosis Bipolar Disorder?**
// Talk to a doctor who will conduct a psychical examination, an interview and lab tests made on the basis of s // // ymptoms, course of illness and family history An initial assessment is made along with a psychological evaluation // ||
 * **Types of Bipolar Disorder** ||
 * < * ** Bipolar 1 ** : at least one manic episode
 * **Bipolar 2**: mood swings with high and low over time, "up" moods never reach full on mania
 * **Rapid Cycling**: a person with bipolar disorder experiences 4 or more episodes of mania or depression in one year
 * **Mixed Bipolar**: a person experiences mania and depression simultaneously or in a rapid sequence
 * **Cyclothymia:** relatively mild mood disorder, milder symptoms than in full blown bipolar disorder

3) Who has Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million or 2.6% of adults between the age 18 and over with a median age of about 25 years old, and 2.2% of the population has been diagnosed as severe. There is about 5.9% with bipolar disorder between the age 18-29 ,4.4% between the age of 30-44, 3.5% of the population with bipolar disorder between the age of 45-59 and 1.0% of people with bipolar disorder of the age of 60+.

Only 1% of adolescents between the age of 14-18 were shown to have met the criteria that would be classified as bipolar disorder, however 6% of adolescents between the age of 14-18 had experienced a distinct period of irritable mood but never met the full criteria for bipolar disorder.

**4) What is it Like to live with Bipolar Disorder?**
Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can be difficult for family members, friends, and other caregivers. Relatives and friends often have to cope with the person's serious behavioral problems, such as wild spending sprees during mania, extreme withdrawal during depression, or poor work or school performance.

It can be very hard to cope with a loved one's bipolar symptoms. One study shows that if a caregiver is under a lot of stress, his or her loved one has more trouble following the treatment plan, which increases the chance for a major bipolar episode. If you are a caregiver of someone with bipolar disorder, it is important that you also make time to take care of yourself. If you know someone who has bipolar disorder, the most important thing you can do is help him or her get the right diagnosis and treatment.

What is it like to have bipolar disorder? To be labeled "crazy"? How do you balance the ups and downs? Here, in their own words, are the stories of nine men and women living with bipolar disorder. You can listen the audio inteviews here.
 * Recent article/news story about the disorder **
 * The New York Times: Patient Voices: Bipolar Disorder**

- no cure but proper treatment can help people get a better hold of mood swings and related symptoms media type="custom" key="25889962" width="168" height="168" align="right" -long term treatment is needed to maintain control -mood stabilizing medications (anticonvulsants) are the first choice for treatment -mood stabilizing medications include Lithium, Depakote, Lamictal, Neurontin, Topamax, and Trileptal -Depakote is used to treat mania and is an alternative to Lithium -Lamictal is usually used to treat depressive symptoms -the other medications can be used to treat all symptoms of bipolar disorder -mood stabilizing medications may increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior -other side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, mood swings, and cold-like symptoms -atypical antipsychotics are also used as treatment -atypical antipsychotics include Olanzapine, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, Risperdal, and Geodon (all are used to treat manic episodes) -side effects of atypical antipsychotics are drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to sun, skin rashes, and menstrual problems for women -antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin) are also used as a medication -side effects of antidepressants are headache, nausea, agitation, and sexual problems for both men and women -psychotherapy is another common way to treat bipolar disorder -types of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (change negative thought patterns), Family-Focused Therapy (family coping), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (improve relationships and daily routines), and Psychoeducation (teaches about the illness)
 * __5) Treatment__ **