Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

 

 

By: Jillian Curry

 

 

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a psychological disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.  Thought to be caused by genetic factors in unique combination with environmental, as well as other personal factors, bipolar disorder affects more than 2 million American adults every year.

The defining symptoms of bipolar disorder are its mood swings.  These refer to feeling overly energetic (manic) at a given time, and then sad and hopeless (depressed) at another given time.

Signs and symptoms of a manic episode include: increased energy and activity, restlessness, excessively “high” euphoric mood, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, talking fast, jumping from one idea to another, distractibility, sleeplessness, poor judgment, spending sprees, unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers, increased sex drive, abuse of drugs, provocative, intrusive, and aggressive behaviors, and denial that anything is wrong.  A manic episode is diagnosed when elevated mood occurs with at least 3 of these symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 1 week.

 

Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode include: sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, restlessness, irritability, change in sleep, change in appetite, and unintended weight loss or gain.  A depressive episode may also include chronic pain that is not caused by physical illness or injury, and thoughts of suicide.  A depressive episode is diagnosed when 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

 

Despite these symptoms, most people with bipolar disorder can be relieved of their symptoms with the proper treatment.  Treatments for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizing medications and various other newer psychiatric medications.  Along with psychotherapy, these medications can alleviate the often troublesome bipolar symptoms.

 

 

Source:  National Institute of Mental Health