Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unexpected change in someone's mood, activity, and their ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are serious, it can result in messed up relationships, poor job or school performance, and even sometimes suicide. Bipolar disorder can be treated and people with this illness can lead full and beneficial lives. The cycles of bipolar disorder can last for days, weeks or months. . .

A research paper on Bipolar Disorder

The periods of highs and lows of bipolar disorder are called episodes of mania and depression. During a crazy/manic episode, a person might quit a job, make themselves go in debt, or they may feel rested after only sleeping two hours. Then during a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and very worried about being in debt.

Bipolar disorder affects just about three out of every 100 adults in the U.S. according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, although some people have their first symptoms during childhood. Usually it is not recognized as an illness and some people suffer for years before it is diagnosed and treated. Bipolar is a long-term illness that must be carefully maintained throughout someone's life.

Some signs and symptoms of mania would be: increased energy, activity, and restlessness, extreme irritability, racing thoughts and talking fast, jumping from one idea to another. A lot of people who have this disorder get distracted very easily and have a hard time concentrating. Little sleep is needed, poor judgment, spending sprees and increased sexual drive. A lasting period of behavior that is different from how it usually is, such as abuse of drugs, alcohol and sleeping medications, aggressive behavior and denial that anything is wrong. A mania episode is diagnosed if mood occurs with three or more other symptoms most of the day, or nearly every day for one week or longer.

Some sign and symptoms of depression would be: a lasting sad, anxious or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt and worthlessness. A loss of interest in activities you use to enjoy, including sex. A decrease in energy, a hard time concentrating, remembering or making decisions, sleeping too much or not being able to sleep at all. A change in appetite or weight loss or gain, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts. A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last for most of the day, or nearly every day for a period of two weeks or longer.

A medium level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania feels good to the person and it helps with good performance. A lot of times when family and friends recognize that the person has bipolar disorder, they person will still deny that anything is wrong. If not treated then hypomania can become into severe mania or it can switch into ...