Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as Manic Depressive Illness cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medication, psychotherapy and patient compliance.
Bipolar Disorder is a Mood Disorder
Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the associated signs and symptoms varies.
Also called bipolar affective disorder until recently, bipolar disorder has replaced the older term manic depressive illness. It is also called bi polar disease or bipolar illness and people often refer to bipolar mania or bipolar depression.
The fact is that bipolar people usually experience manic episodes as well as depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. They can also have normal mood periods in between these episodes.
The DSM-IV-TR lists four types of mood disorders which fit into the bipolar categories: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymia, and Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).
Both men and women can have bipolar disorder. People of all ages can have it.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Nobody really knows what causes bipolar disorder. A variety of biological, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering episodes of this illness like genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors.
Factors that may contribute to or trigger episodes of manic depression include drug or alcohol abuse and stressful or psychologically traumatic events.
Signs and Symptoms in the Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder May Include:
- Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
- Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
- Bad judgment
- Recklessness or taking chances
- Little need for sleep
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Aggressive behavior and increased sexual impulses.
Signs and Symptoms in the Depressive Phase May Include:
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness that don’t go away
- Disturbances in sleep and appetite
- Exhaustion and loss of interest in daily activities
- Problems concentrating and irritability
- Chronic pain without a known cause
- Recurring thoughts of suicide
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
Although bipolar disorder can manifest in puberty or even earlier in children, diagnosis is often only in later life, in early or mid thirties and is based on the self-reported experiences of the patient as well as from reports from family, friends or co-workers, followed by secondary signs observed by a medical staff or social workers.
There is a list of criteria that must be met for someone to be diagnosed as having bipolar disorder or manic depression. These depend on both the presence and duration of certain signs and symptoms.
An initial assessment includes a comprehensive history and physical examination by a physician. Diagnosis also involves ruling out other mental health conditions that may produce some symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, so the emphasis of treatment is on effective management of acute episodes and prevention of further episodes through medication and psychotherapy.
The most important ingredient in the mix is patient compliance. People with manic depression need to take responsibility to empower themselves and learn more about their illness; to regularly take their medication and to manage their stress.
Medication for Bipolar Disorder
The mainstay of medication is a number of drugs termed 'mood stabilizers', in particular lithium and sodium valproate - these are used to prevent relapses of further episodes. Antipsychotic medications are often used in the treatment of manic episodes and in maintenance as well as antidepressants. Sometimes anti-convulsants are also used.
In serious cases where there is risk to self and others, hospitalization may be necessary. This usually occurs during severe manic episodes with dangerous behavior or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation. Hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years.
Bipolar Disorder and Creativity
There are studies that tie bipolar disorder to creativity. Dr Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind, the best-selling examination of bipolar illness examines the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity in Touched with Fire- Manic Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic – Tools for Healthier Lives – Bipolar Disorders
