Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorderthat causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. People with bipolar disorder are at risk of death - either by dangerous behavior in the manic state or by suicide in the depressive state. Both men and women can have bipolar disorder. In most cases, bipolar disorder first appears in young adults, but children and adolescents might also suffer from this disorder. Bipolar disorder sometimes runs in families. Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings - from overly "high" and irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. Bipolar disorder can range in severity from a mild annoyance to a serious lifelong disability. There are many variations of this disorder. Moods can change quickly or more slowly.

Both men and women can have bipolar disorder. People of all ages can have it. Environmental factors may play a role in bipolar disorder. Although bipolar disorder can be diagnosed from just a manic episode, most persons with this disorder also experience the other extreme, depression. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness. If you have a parent who has bipolar disorder, you have a greater chance of having it. Some people with bipolar disorder turn to alcohol and drugs because they feel temporarily better when they're high. But using alcohol and drugs can have disastrous results for people with bipolar disorder. Medication and psychotherapy are the main treatments for bipolar disorder. Untreated, bipolar disorder can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.

Causes of Bipolar disorder

The common causes and risk factor's of Bipolar disorder:

Biologic, genetic and environmental factors.
Drug abuse.
Stressful or psychologically traumatic events.
A family history of depression.
A viral infection may bring on the disease.

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder

Some sign and symptom related to Bipolar disorder are as follows:

Feeling very irritable or angry.
Poor judgment.
Spending too much money.
Having sex without being careful to prevent pregnancy or disease.
Feeling sad or numb.
Feeling worthless or guilty.
Change in appetite.
Headaches.
Problems sleeping, or wanting to sleep all of the time.

Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Antidepressants occasionally are used to treat depressive symptoms. However, these drugs may trigger a manic episode.
A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder over time.
Anticonvulsant medications may be combined with lithium, or with each other, for maximum effect.
Anti-psychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality. Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, may also help.
Electroconvulsive therapy may be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Disclaimer : All information on www.depression-information.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.