19 Feb 2008 10:45:20 | Brian Cook
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as
manic depression) you are not alone. It has been estimated that
over 2 million people in the United States suffer from this form
of mental illness which involves episodes of both mania and
depression.
Although bipolar disorder usually begins in childhood or early
adulthood, it is often not recognized as an illness. And,
because it is sometimes misdiagnosed, individuals who have it
often suffer needlessly although treatment is available. Left
untreated, those with bipolar disorder sometimes experience
serious complications, including an inability to keep a stable
job, abuse of drugs and alcohol, marriage problems, and even
suicide.
Symptoms of mania can include: decreased need for sleep;
excessive feelings of euphoria; extreme distractibility; racing
thoughts and rapid talking; decreased need for sleep; drug
abuse; and a denial that anything is wrong. Depressive symptoms,
(the flip-side of mania) may include: difficulty sleeping; loss
of appetite; feelings of hopelessness; decreased energy;
persistent sad mood; loss of interest in pleasurable activities;
and thoughts of death or suicide.
It is important to recognize the various mood states experienced
by individuals with bipolar disorder so that they can obtain
effective treatment. Unfortunately, this illness often goes
unrecognized by everyone involved, including family, friends,
physicians, and even the patient.
An early stage of this illness often manifested is hypomania, in
which the person suffering from it shows a high level of energy,
excessive moodiness or irritability, and impulsive behavior.
Ironically, hypomania may feel good to the person who
experiences it. Unfortunately though, if left untreated, bipolar
disorder tends to get worse, and the person typically will
experience episodes of full-fledged mania and clinical
depression. Fortunately, most people with manic depressive
illness can be helped with treatment, specifically medications
and therapy.
Medications play an important role in helping to stabilize the
mood swings often found with this type of mental illness.
Lithium has been shown to be very effective in helping to
control mania and in stopping the recurrence of both manic and
depressive episodes. Several types of antidepressant have also
been found useful in combating the depression aspect of bipolar
disorder. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy is often
helpful in treating severe depression that fails to respond to
medication.
Therapy from a qualified provider can also be helpful in
educating the patient and providing support and guidance to all
family members involved. It is important to remember that
bipolar disorder is recurrent, and, as such, long-term
preventive treatment is indicated in most cases.
Finally, it is important to know that bipolar disorder is a
legitimate illness, and that it will not “just go away” if given
enough time. Treatment is necessary to help keep the disease
under control and a maintenance regimen (including both
medications and therapy) may be required over the length of a
person’s life.
About Author :
Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on bipolar
disorder, and depression in general, have appeared in print and
on many websites.
