Bipolar disorder (or manic-depressive illness) is closely related to depression.
It is a bio-chemical condition that results in an imbalance of the neurotransmitters
in the brain. This condition may genetic and may be passed down through a family.
Environment, stress, injury, illness and hormone imbalances may also play a
role.
Bipolar disorder affects about 3% of the general population and causes severe
mood swings that can last for days, weeks or even months. These mood swings
can range from mild to extreme and can even result in psychosis and hallucinations.
Usually the mood swings are separated by periods of normal health. About 80%
of all people with this disorder can be effectively treated with a number of
different medications. However, only about one in three people with this disorder
ever gets appropriate help. If it’s not treated, the illness can cause major
difficulties with work, school, interpersonal relations and dealing with daily
stress.
There are a number of forms of bipolar disorder, ranging from mild symptoms
of depression or mania to very severe symptoms that might even require hospital
treatment. Some people have more frequent cycles than others. Many people with
the less severe forms of bipolar illness are not as disabled as people who have
more intense symptoms and are able to continue their social and working lives.
Still, their symptoms and behaviour can be quite difficult for others to understand.
Symptoms of mania can include the following:
- feelings of invincibility
- more physical energy
- less need for sleep
- inappropriate excitement
- irritability or excessive
anger
- increased activity, talking
and moving
- increased sexual thoughts
and activity, sometimes resulting in promiscuity and inappropriate or unsafe
behaviour
- disconnected and racing
thoughts
- racing speech
- loss of self-control
and impulsive or reckless behaviour
- inappropriate spending
- hallucinations and delusions.
Some symptoms of depression may include:
- feelings of sadness and
loss
- feelings of guilt and
worthlessness
- feelings of extreme impatience,
irritability, or a short temper
- loss of interest or pleasure
in usually-enjoyed activities
- changes in weight or
appetite
- changes in sleeping patterns
like insomnia
- reduced ability to think
clearly or make decisions
- difficulties in concentrating
or with short-term memory loss
- constantly feeling tired
- noticeable lack of motivation
- anxiety and restlessness,
sometimes leading to panic attacks
- muscle and joint pain
- constipation or other
intestinal problems
- frequent headaches
- lack of interest in sex
- recurring thoughts of
suicide or self-harm
- withdrawal from friends
and family.
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