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Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental
illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The
person's mood swings from excessively "high" and irritable to sad
and hopeless and then back again, with periods of the person's
normal mood in between. At least 2 million Americans suffer from
bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early
adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized
as an illness and people who have it may suffer needlessly for
years or even decades.
Bipolar disorder can be extremely distressing and disruptive for
those who have this disease, their spouses, family members, friends
and employers. Although there is no known cure, bipolar disorder is
treatable, and recovery is possible. Individuals with bipolar
disorder have successful relationships and meaningful jobs. The
combination of medications and psychotherapy helps the vast
majority of people return to productive, fulfilling lives.
“Bipolar disorder is treatable, and recovery is
possible.”
What Causes Bipolar
Disorder?
Although a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not
been determined, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of people who
suffer from this illness have relatives who have some form of
depression. It is also possible that people may inherit a
vulnerability to the illness, which may then be triggered by
environmental factors. Other research suggests the illness may be
caused by a biochemical imbalance which alters a person's moods.
This imbalance may be due to irregular hormone production or to a
problem with certain neurotransmitters.
What are the Symptoms of
Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize and diagnose.
One reason is because of hypomania, which is an early sign of manic
depression. Hypomania may cause a person to have a high level of
energy, unrealistically expansive thoughts or ideas and impulsive
or reckless behavior. These symptoms may feel good to the person,
which may lead to denial that there is a problem.
Another reason for the lack of recognition may be that bipolar
disorder may appear to be symptoms of other illnesses or may occur
with other problems such as substance abuse, poor school
performance, or trouble in the workplace.
Symptoms of Mania:
Treatment
Anyone suffering from bipolar disorder should be under
psychiatric care; however, he or she may need help and
encouragement from friends and family in recognizing the problem
and seeking help. If the person is in the midst of an episode, he
or she may refuse to get help. In this situation, it may be
necessary to have the person hospitalized for his or her own
protection in order to receive much needed treatment, particularly
if the person is considering suicide.
Most people with bipolar disorder can be helped with medication.
Lithium, which is effective in controlling mania; and carbamazepine
and valproate, which we mood-stabilizers and anticonvulsants, are
some of the medications which are used. In addition,
benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for insomnia and thyroid
medication may also be helpful.
It is often suggested that people with bipolar disorder also
receive guidance, education and support from a psychotherapist. A
therapist can help the person to deal with personal relationships,
maintain a healthy selfimage and ensure that the person complies
with his or her treatment. Psychotherapy can also assist the person
in coping with the side-effects of the medications. Ongoing
encouragement and support from friends and family are also very
important. It may be helpful to join a self-help or support group
to help those coping with this illness.
Other Resources:
For more information or referrals for local service contact your
local mental health association or:
National Mental
Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
Depression and
Bipolar Support Alliance
Phone: 800-826-3632
National
Institute of Mental Health
Public Inquiries
Phone- 301-443-4513
National
Foundation for Depressive Illness
Phone: 800-239-1265
NMHA offers additional pamphlets on a variety of mental health
topics. For more information or to order multiple copies of
pamphlets, please call 1-800-969-NMHA
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