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Bipolar disorder is a serious manic-depressive disorder which affects
the sufferer's mood, ability to function and energy levels, the symptoms
of the illness are most times so severe that they cause disruptions in
the person's life with problems in work, school, family and relationship
areas. While bipolar disorder cannot be cured, it can be successfully
treated allowing the person to begin to enjoy a normal life again.
Bipolar disorder will typically begin to show in adolescence or very early
adulthood although it has been known to occur much later in life, it is
a disease which is very often overlooked until diagnosis is made due to
the signs and symptoms of the disorder not generally being associated
with an illness. Due to this, many people suffer from bipolar disorder
for many years without even realising they have a serious medical condition.
The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is typically known for the severe mood swings it causes
and these will range drastically from on a high one minute to being down,
sad and feelings of hopelessness the next minute. Along with changes to
the mood of the person, the sufferer will also have severe problems with
changes in energy and behaviour. The periods of high and low are called
episodes of mania and depression, the common signs and symptoms of a manic
episode are:
* An increase in energy levels with feelings of restlessness
* A high feeling or euphoric feeling
* Very irritable
* Racing thoughts and very fast talking, moving from one subject to the
next rapidly
* Easily distracted and cannot concentrate
* Unrealistic views regarding ones abilities and power
* Very poor judgement
* Goes on spending sprees regularly
* Behaviour that is uncharacteristic
* An increase in sexual drive
* The uses of drugs, alcohol or sleeping medications
* Unusual provocative or aggressive behaviour
* Denial of problems
Manic episodes are diagnosed if the person has elevated moods along with
three or more of the above symptoms for a period longer than 1 week and
having symptoms most of the day, nearly everyday.
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
Bipolar can be successfully treated even when in its severest form, because
bipolar disease is a recurrent illness it is usually treated over the
long term, studies have shown that the best treatment is medication combined
with psychosocial treatment. The disorder can be controlled adequately
when treatment is continuous rather than being off and on, and the treatment
plan might have to be altered several times before finding the correct
level for each patient.
As part of the treatment plan, your Doctor may advise that you keep a
written daily account of mood symptoms, sleep patterns, medication and
life events. By keeping a written account, studies have shown that patients
and families are better able to deal with the illness and manage it more
efficiently.
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