by Jennifer Moll

Created on: November 11, 2010

Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, is a severe brain disorder that causes unusual mood swings, shifts in energy levels, changes in activity levels and limits one’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day tasks.  These changes are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time.  Many people with Bipolar disorder suffer from damaged relationships, poor job and school performance and even possible suicide because of the symptoms of this illness.  However, with proper treatment, people with this disorder can lead full, productive lives.

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder may seem like separate problems and not recognized as a large problem, making Bipolar tricky to diagnose.  This disorder often develops in one’s late teens or early adult years.  In approximately half of all cases, symptoms begin before a person reaches 25 years old.  Some people may experience symptoms during childhood and others may not develop symptoms until later in life.  Bipolar disorder is a life-long illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

People with Bipolar disorder experience intense mood swings, such as mania, depression and mixed episodes.

In a manic episode, a person may experience mood changes such as: a long period of feeling overly happy or outgoing, extremely irritable, agitation, jumpy or wired.

Behavioral changes may include:

talking fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts easily distracted increased goal-directed activities, such as taking on new projects being restless very little sleep having an unrealistic ability in one’s abilities impulsive behavior and taking part in high-risk behaviors, such as spending sprees, impulsive sex and impulsive business investments

In a depressive episode, common mood changes include: an extreme sadness or hopeless feeling, long period of feeling worried or empty, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.

Behavioral changes may include:

feeling tired or slowed down problems concentrating, remembering and making decisions being restless or irritable change in eating, sleeping or other habits thoughts of death or suicide attempting suicide

In a mixed episode, a person with Bipolar disorder will experience both mania and depression mood changes.

During mood episodes, people with Bipolar disorder may also become explosive.

Currently, there is not a cure for Bipolar disorder, but proper treatment helps most people with this illness control their mood swings and other related symptoms.  Since Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, long-term treatment is required to maintain control of symptoms.  The most effective maintenance treatment plan includes medication and psychotherapy to help prevent relapse and reduce the severity of symptoms.

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