by Paula Maher

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression is a mental disorder, which, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health affects almost 3 out of every 100 adults in the US. It can be passed on genetically but not always. Consumption of certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine (speed), has been known to trigger or aggravate the condition, although in many cases the causes are unknown.

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder usually first manifest themselves during teenage years or early twenties. Extreme mood fluctuations ranging from extreme sadness to extreme highs are signs that there may be a serious problem.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

Mania
Hypomania
Depression
Mixed episode

Mania.

Severe cases of manic episode can lead to delusions and hallucinations such as illusions of grandeur, unusual good mood, feeling great having had little or no sleep, impulsiveness, irritability or inability to foresee consequences which can lead to reckless and dangerous behavior. Some patients have delusional convictions that they may have special powers or that they are an important or religious figure. People have been known to damage their lives considerably while experiencing a manic episode such as job resignation or overspending.

Hypomania.

A less severe form of mania. People with hypomania are still able to function on a daily bases, although their mood is overly happy and optimistic. There is generally no loss of reality but sadly, hypomania can often spiral to mania.

Depression.

People experiencing this type of depression will generally feel lethargic, unable to get out of bed, talk or function normally. The danger with this mood fluctuation can result in suicidal or homicidal thoughts and behavior.

Mixed episode.

This is a combination of extreme highs and lows, which can conclude in a psychotic episode during which one may require a hospital stay.

If your loved one is displaying the above signs and has shown dramatic mood variability what can you do?

Do not delay seeking help. A visit to the doctor is paramount. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by a psychiatrist this condition can be managed with the right doses of medication and therapy. Therapy is helpful for sufferers to deal with their illness and mood swings they feel unable to control. A therapist can also assist the patient to recognize warning signs pointing to the onset of an episode. Time and patience is required to tailor a specific drug regime suitable for the individual. Medically supervised

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