Understanding Bipolar Manic Depressive Disorder
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010In the United States, 5.7 million adults are diagnosed of bipolar manic depressive disorder. Also, the 3.4 million American children and adolescents diagnosed of depression are highly likely to experience bipolar depression or bipolar manic disorder symptoms. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that the condition can reduce up to 9.2 years from your life span in causing suicidal or self-destructive behavior. Hence, bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder is one of the leading causes of human disability. Bipolar manic depressive disorder is a psychiatric illness that causes unusual and sudden changes to mood, activity and energy levels, which affect an individual’s ability to carry out his day to day tasks. Manic depression symptoms go from feeling very sad, helpless and despaired, and suddenly cause him to shift to feeling euphoric happiness, being overly active and practically on top of the world, which may severe relationships, affect job and school performance, or even cause suicide.
Definition
Bipolar manic disorder symptoms include high levels of energy, inability to sleep, having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative. Bipolar depression symptoms include low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt. A patient may experience several of these symptoms for every day. Bipolar symptoms usually occur during late teen or early adult years. Most patients started experiencing symptoms at around 25 years of age. According to the Bipolar disorder statistics, women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one’s risk of developing bipolar symptoms.
Diagnosis
The initial step in diagnosing this involves lab and physical tests, interviews, brain scans, in addition to assessing the medical history of the patient. After a total diagnostic assessment, the physician might refer the patient to a trained mental health expert like a psychiatrist, who possesses greater amount of experience in dealing with bipolar patients. Instant and correct diagnosis is vitally crucial in assisting those suffering from the disorder in leading a regular life. Additionally, it will assist in giving the correct treatment type to lessen the seriousness and frequency of the symptoms.
Remedy
To effectively prevent relapse of manic depression symptoms, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually recommended. Among bipolar patients, Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, and anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine, aripiprazolw, quetiapine, risperidone) and antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed. These are usually prescribed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Sleep medications or sedatives are recommended to patients having trouble sleeping in some cases. Support, guidance and education among bipolar patients as well as their families is provided by Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy’. Several approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, intrapersonal and social rhythm therapy and psycho education are involved.
Word of Caution
Additional illnesses might coexist with bipolar manic depressive disorder, resulting in it being much harder to treat and diagnose. Abusing substances might make symptoms of bipolar disorder last longer or trigger them and result in behavioral issues related to the disorder. Anxiety problems like post traumatic stress, ADD, and social fears might overlap with the disorder. Additionally, individuals dealing with this problem have a greater risk of getting thyroid problems, diabetes, migraines, and additional physical problems. Thus, getting expert assistance when having symptoms of these disorders is recommended.
