by Angelica Weathersby

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 12, 2010

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings between depression and a sense of being "high," (elated or euphoric) that are not responses to events in the individual's life. Each case of bipolar disorder is unique. One person may have mild depression with only moderate limitations to normal function, alternating with extreme and dangerous "highs." Another person may have severe depressions alternating with only "hypomanic" (less-than-manic) phases that are highly productive and essentially rational. An "angry manic," may feel a kind of pleasure from flying into rages, making hurtful remarks, even kicking or throwing things.

Anyone with bipolar disorder can exhibit any combination and degree of any of these and other forms of each phase, all of which falls under the same umbrella term for this mood-swing condition. People who live with it may have to manage their lives around the disorder to some degree.

Of those who get medical help, most get dramatic improvement from treatments that may involve drugs, talk therapy, or any combination of these. Many bipolar people also have related mood disorders, such as panic attacks. One drug that is used (sometimes in combination with other drugs) to treat both of these, is trazodone, which was approved by the FDA in 1982. It seems to work by improving imbalances of major transmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Some other drugs inhibit the re-absorption of serotonin and/or norepinephrine, (venlafaxine works on both) so there is more in the brain at any given time.

DEPRESSED PHASE:
Uncharacteristic apathy; intense sadness, loss of interest in things that used to be important, especially if this goes on for more than two weeks and/or seems to be deepening. Anyone with the symptoms listed above should see a general practitioner, such as a family doctor, as soon as possible. Suicidal thoughts indicate the need for IMMEDIATE medical attention, even if these symptoms have just begun.

MANIC PHASE:
Talking incessantly with intense enthusiasm; unrealistic notion of personal power; rash spending, or other behaviors that may have harmful consequences. People in a manic state often love the way they feel, and are unlikely to seek medical help voluntarily.

Treatment methods are as varied as the forms of the disorder. The important thing is that the bipolar person who gets treatment is likely to get relief in a short period of time.

Bipolar people have a well-documented tendency to be particularly creative, and for this reason many of them are famous as actors, writers, painters, etc. Besides their abilities, they may find that employment in these fields offers flexibility that a 9-5 job wouldn't permit. Thus, episodes of breakthrough depression may be absorbed by the fact that during their more active spells they achieve enough to make up for lost time.

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