Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a mental health disorder that is distinguished by dramatic swings in a person's mood, from the elated highs of mania to the lows of depression. Bipolar disorder affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. We know that genetics play a role in who gets bipolar disorder, as researchers have traced the incidence of bipolar disorder among generations of families.

While bipolar disorder cannot be prevented, it's important to be aware of early warning signs of an impending episode of bipolar depression or bipolar mania. Early recognition of bipolar warning signs and seeing your doctor regularly can allow you to monitor your mood and medications and keep illness from escalating.

In fact, although treating bipolar disorder moods is critical, there is a convincing case supported by scientific studies that the prevention of further mood episodes should be the greatest goal.

What are bipolar disorder symptoms?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can fall between two extreme mood states:

Bipolar depression, which includes feelings of being sad, hopeless, helpless, and worthless
Bipolar mania, which includes feelings of elation and exuberance.

What are symptoms of bipolar depression?

Symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may consist of the following:

Depressed mood and low self-esteem
Excessive crying spells
Low energy levels and an apathetic view of life
Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, feelings of guilt
Slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination and concentration
Insomnia or oversleeping
Thoughts of suicide or dying
Changes in appetite (overeating/not eating)
Drug use: self-medication through illicit drugs
Unexplainable aching
Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities

What are symptoms of bipolar mania?

Euphoria or irritability
Excessive talking; racing thoughts
Inflated self-esteem
Unusual energy; less need for sleep
Alcohol and illicit drug use - cocaine and methamphetamines
Impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification -- shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving
Hallucinations and or delusions (in extreme cases of bipolar disorder with psychotic features)

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder is treated with medications such as lithium and Lamictal, both specifically designed to stabilize mood. If the mood stabilizers do not fully manage the symptoms, other medications may be added to help calm the mania or ease the depression.

Along with mood stabilizers, psychotherapy is recommended to help the patient develop appropriate and workable coping strategies to deal with everyday stressors and to increase medication compliance.

Can behavioral counseling help those with bipolar disorder?

Different types of talk therapy options are available to help those with bipolar disorder prevent or cope with a mood episode:

Individual Counseling: This is a one-on-one session with a professional therapist with experience in bipolar disorders in which the patient's problem areas are addressed. The session may include help accepting the diagnosis, education about bipolar moods, ways to identify warning signs, and intervention strategies to manage stress.
Family Counseling: Bipolar disorder extends beyond the patient and can affect the entire family. Families are frequently involved in outpatient therapy as they receive education about bipolar disorder and work with the therapist and patient to learn how to recognize early warnings of an impending manic or depressive episode.
Group Counseling:Group sessions allow for the sharing of feelings and the development of effective coping strategies. The give-and-take at group sessions can be the most productive way to change the way you think about bipolar disorder and improve coping skills as you face life's challenges.