DOC I HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people swings between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression.
The exact cause is unknown, but it can occur in families of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects both men and women equally.
It usually begins between ages 15 - 25.
The Types of bipolar disorder:
1.bipolar disorder type I have had at least one manic episode and periods of major depression.
2.bipolar disorder type II have never had full mania.
There are periods where there is high energy levels and impulsiveness but that is not as extreme as mania (called hypomania).
This hypomania episodes alternate with periods of depression.
3.mild form of bipolar disorder called cycloymia involves less severe mood swings alternating between hypomania and mild depression.
Triggers of a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder:
1.Life changes such as births
2.Medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroids
3.Periods of insomnia
4.Recreational drug usage
Symptoms
A.Manic phase -last from days to months:
1. Distracted easily
2.Little or no need for sleep
3.Poor judgement
4.Poor control of temper
5.Reckless behavior and poor self control
6.Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug usage
7.Sex with multiple partners (promiscuity)
8.Spending sprees
9.Very elevated mood
10.Hyperactivity
11.Increased physical energy
12.Over Talking
13.Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
14.Very involved in activities
15.Upset easily (agitated or irritated)
These symptoms of mania occur usually with bipolar disorder I or Manic depression.
With bipolar disorder II, the symptoms of mania are similar but less intense.
B.Depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder:
1.Daily poor mood or sadness
2.Problems in concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
3.Eating disorders
4.Loss of appetite and weight
5.Overeating and weight gain
6.Tiredness or lack of energy
7.Feels worthless, hopeless, or guilty
8.Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyable
9.Loss of personal self-esteem
10.Thinking of death and suicide
11.Problem getting to sleep or sleeping too much
12.Avoiding friends or activities that were once enjoyable
There is a high tendency of suicide with bipolar disorder.
Abuse of alcohol or other substances can make the symptoms and suicide risk worse.
Sometimes the two phases of manic attack and depression may overlap.
Manic and depressive symptoms can occur together or quickly one after the other in what is called a mixed state.
Diagnosis can be obtained from:
1.family medical history of bipolar disorder
2.history of recent mood swings and the length of time of mood swings
3.thorough examination to look for illnesses that may cause the symptoms
4.laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
5.consultation of family members regarding patient's behavior
6. medical history of any medical problems and medications taken
7.Observation of behavior and mood
Note that drug usage may cause some symptoms but does not rule out bipolar affective disorder.
Drug abuse may be a symptom of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people swings between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression.
The exact cause is unknown, but it can occur in families of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects both men and women equally.
It usually begins between ages 15 - 25.
The Types of bipolar disorder:
1.bipolar disorder type I have had at least one manic episode and periods of major depression.
2.bipolar disorder type II have never had full mania.
There are periods where there is high energy levels and impulsiveness but that is not as extreme as mania (called hypomania).
This hypomania episodes alternate with periods of depression.
3.mild form of bipolar disorder called cycloymia involves less severe mood swings alternating between hypomania and mild depression.
Triggers of a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder:
1.Life changes such as births
2.Medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroids
3.Periods of insomnia
4.Recreational drug usage
Symptoms
A.Manic phase -last from days to months:
1. Distracted easily
2.Little or no need for sleep
3.Poor judgement
4.Poor control of temper
5.Reckless behavior and poor self control
6.Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug usage
7.Sex with multiple partners (promiscuity)
8.Spending sprees
9.Very elevated mood
10.Hyperactivity
11.Increased physical energy
12.Over Talking
13.Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
14.Very involved in activities
15.Upset easily (agitated or irritated)
These symptoms of mania occur usually with bipolar disorder I or Manic depression.
With bipolar disorder II, the symptoms of mania are similar but less intense.
B.Depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder:
1.Daily poor mood or sadness
2.Problems in concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
3.Eating disorders
4.Loss of appetite and weight
5.Overeating and weight gain
6.Tiredness or lack of energy
7.Feels worthless, hopeless, or guilty
8.Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyable
9.Loss of personal self-esteem
10.Thinking of death and suicide
11.Problem getting to sleep or sleeping too much
12.Avoiding friends or activities that were once enjoyable
There is a high tendency of suicide with bipolar disorder.
Abuse of alcohol or other substances can make the symptoms and suicide risk worse.
Sometimes the two phases of manic attack and depression may overlap.
Manic and depressive symptoms can occur together or quickly one after the other in what is called a mixed state.
Diagnosis can be obtained from:
1.family medical history of bipolar disorder
2.history of recent mood swings and the length of time of mood swings
3.thorough examination to look for illnesses that may cause the symptoms
4.laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
5.consultation of family members regarding patient's behavior
6. medical history of any medical problems and medications taken
7.Observation of behavior and mood
Note that drug usage may cause some symptoms but does not rule out bipolar affective disorder.
Drug abuse may be a symptom of bipolar disorder.
