Answer:

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in mood, inciting episodes of both mania and depression.  During the "manic" episodes, patients swing into an unrealistically "high" state of mind   and momentarily lose touch with some realities. On the extreme end they may believe they have super powers, or to a lesser extent, shop vicariously for expensive items them don't need and usually can't afford.

 

 These episodes alternate with a depressive state.  During this period there is a lack of energy, irritability, sadness and a feeling of hopelessness.  In between there are always periods where the patient seems normal, balanced, and in control.  A small percentage of bipolar patients do, however, experience chronic residual symptoms.

 

The early designation for this condition was " manic depression". Now it is called bi-polar disorder to indicate polar opposites, or again, shifts in mood and perception.

Answer:

The most definitive symptom of bipolar disorder is alternating cycles of mania and depression.

 

In the manic phase behaviors include:

 

• Dramatic increase in energy with a decreased need for sleep.
• Racing thoughts that are sometimes expressed during rapid-fire conversation.
• Feelings of being "high" or euphoric – as if they could do almost anything.
• Easy distractibility and sometimes irritability.
• Poor judgment – for example purchasing things one can't afford or use.
• An increased need for sex and reckless sexual behaviors.
• Alcohol or drug abuse, particularly cocaine and sleeping pills.
• Aggressive behavior, sometimes provocative
• Denial that anything is wrong or different.

 

In the depressive stage behaviors can include:

 

• Persistent sadness, anxiety or a feeling of "emptiness'.
• Pessimism or hopelessness that is not justified by circumstances
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Extreme fatigue, loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Decreased interest in sex.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Food issues – loss of appetite and weight or increased appetite and weight gain.
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Answer:

Bipolar disorder typically develops during adolescents. One of the signs of bipolar disorder is a condition known as "hypomania".  During this phase there is a sudden rush of unusual energy the patient often perceives as productivity. Left untreated, however, hypomania can progress to severe mania and in some people, is followed by depression. 

 

A true manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one week.  If irritability is present, then four or more symptoms are required for diagnosis.

 

A depressive episode is said to exist if five or more symptoms exist for most of the day, every day, for two weeks or more.

 

A psychiatrist is usually the type of physician who makes the determination of bipolar disorder. Frequently blood and urine tests are done to rule out drug use as the cause of symptoms, or certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorder.

Answer:

Bipolar I defines patients with the classic form of this disease: Recurring episodes of mania and  depression. 

 

Bipolar II defines those who never experience severe mania but instead the manic episodes are milder, and alternate with depression. 

 

A third term – Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder - defines those patients who experience 4 or more bipolar episodes within 12 months. This can include multiple episodes within one week or even within one day. This more often occurs later in the disease, and is more common among women.

Answer:

Typically, the onset of bi polar disorder occurs in the early 20's. However the first symptoms – often unrecognized – may occur in early childhood, or, less commonly, as late as the senior years.  According the National Institutes of Mental Health some 6 million Americans are affected, with men and women affected equally.  Some studies suggest a genetic susceptibility.

Answer:

At this time there is no one factor doctors can point to as the cause of bipolar disorder. However one current theory suggests an underlying defect in brain chemistry, which may be exacerbated by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as drug or alcohol abuse. Stress may also play a role and, in women, hormonal fluctuations may exacerbate symptoms. In Janauary 2006, two Scottish researchers isolated a gene that doubles the risk of developing bipolar disorder, furthering the theory that there is a genetic predisposition to this disease.

Answer:

Medications called mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder. Several types are available and those with this disorder are often treated for extended periods of time

 

For mania, common treatments include anti-psychotic medications and/or the tranquilizer type medications are used..  While hospitalization was once considered standard treatment during this phase, more recently doctors are favoring outpatient care.

 

Treatment for depressive episodes can include  lithium and/or anticonvulsive medications..  For those whose symptoms are harder to control, a combination of lithium and an antidepressant can be helpful...

 

In addition to medication psychosocial treatment like cognitive therapy can be helpful for support education and guidance.

 

When medications and psychotherapy are not effective, electro convulsive therapy (ECT) or "shock treatments" is said to help 75% of patients who try it.

Answer:

Although the rate is equal among the genders, women are more likely to develop Bipolar II disorder.  While manic episodes are milder than in men, they still alternate with depression.  Women are also at higher risk for rapid cycling of symptoms, which some believe may be linked to fluctuations in reproductive hormones, or the activity of the thyroid gland.  Women are more frequently misdiagnosed as having depression only, and prescribed antidepressant medication. This often exacerbates the rapid cycling of symptoms.

 

The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause frequently worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder, hormone therapy may help.  Additionally, changes in medication regimens may become necessary during this time to offset the influence of hormonal disruptions.

Answer:

During the manic phase of bipolar disorder behavior can become reckless.  This may increase the risk of danger for both the patient and those who may be in their charge, such as children.  Additionally, in rare cases patients experiencing mania may become psychotic, hearing voices or seeing things, which may in turn incite a violent reaction. During an episode patients should be discouraged from driving or operating any machinery. If a friend or family member suffers from bipolar disorder, contact their doctor as soon as an episode becomes apparent.  Sometimes early treatment can help reduce the incidence of dangerous behaviors.

Answer:

The threat of suicide among patients with bipolar disorder is very real – and it can occur during either the depressive or the manic state. Stress as well as personal traumatic events can also increase the risk.  Up to 15% of people with bipolar disorder are successful in their suicide attempts - and many more try.  Although treatment reduces risks,  friends and family members should be on the lookout for signs of impending suicide.  These include taking about suicide or death; writing a suicide note; talking about feelings of hopelessness; abusing drugs or alcohol; participating in life threatening activities.  During a crisis do not leave a person with bipolar disorder alone and remove car keys, weapons or large amounts of medication. Call 911 for assistance.