Bipolar Disorder

In bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, there are swings in mood from elation to depression with no external cause. During the manic phase of this disorder, the patient may show excessive, unwarranted excitement or silliness, carrying jokes too far. They may also show poor judgment and recklessness and may be argumentative. Manics may speak rapidly, have unrealistic ideas, and jump from subject to subject. They may not be able to sleep or sit still for very long. These symptoms are predominant for a specific period of time lasting for a few days or even a few months. Hospitalization can often be necessary to keep the person from harming themselves and others.

The other side of the bipolar coin is the depressive episode. Bipolar depressed patients often sleep more than usual and are lethargic. This contrasts with those with major depressions, who usually have trouble sleeping and are agitated. During bipolar depressive episodes, a patient may also show irritability and withdrawal.

The experience of mania varies from person to person. But there are some symptoms of the manic stage of bipolar disorder that most share:
•Decreased need for sleep, or feeling rested after too little sleep
•Increased activity, racing thoughts, excessive talking and energy
•Extreme irritability
•Increased sex drive
•Impaired judgment and poor decision-making
•Inflated belief in powers or abilities
•Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with a high risk of painful consequences, such as buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, shoplifting, foolish business investments
•Excessive high feelings.

The depressive phase of bipolar disorder can be equally as devastating, including such symptoms as:
•Decreased energy or increased fatigue almost all day long, every day
•Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, pessimism, guilt
•Difficulty concentrating
•Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
•Significant loss of appetite or weight changes
•Loss of sexual desire
•Changes in sleep patterns
•Difficulty remembering
•Thoughts of death or suicide, planning suicide or attempting suicide (anyone with these symptoms should seek help immediately)

Scientists are learning about the possible causes of manic-depressive cycling in bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single cause -rather, many factors act together to produce the illness.People with bipolar disorder often have abnormal thyroid gland function. Because too much or too little thyroid hormone alone can lead to mood and energy changes.Alcohol and drug abuse are very common among people with bipolar disorder and may influence the occurrence of episodes.Sometimes taking antidepressants can trigger severe manic and/or rapid cycling episodes in people who have bipolar disorder, leading to destructive behaviour and an increased risk for suicide.Stress and illness have also been linked to the disease.