Bipolar Disorder
by Ellen A. Suarez
According to a recent study, nearly 4 percent of adult Americans suffer from Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression. Historians have speculated that Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Napoleon all had qualities of this disorder. However, the same drive that can fuel emancipating the slaves, persevering during the London blitz or conquering most of Europe can also prove to be the ruin of those with this disorder. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by alternating between extreme depressive episodes and manic episodes. Emotional mood swings can be a part of life for everyone, but a person with Bipolar Disorder can have highs and lows so extreme that they can interfere with that person’s daily activities.
A depressive episode may include such symptoms as feeling hopeless and tired and wanting to die. You may oversleep and be tired all the time or you might have trouble sleeping even though you feel exhausted. You may also find it difficult to concentrate and become uninterested in things or activities that you used to enjoy.
A manic episode is at the opposite end of this spectrum. During a manic episode, a person might feel as if he or she can do anything, even things that are dangerous or illegal. Impulsive behavior can include spending a large amount of money or engaging in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex. The person in a manic state may feel full of energy and go for days without sleeping. That person may even hear things or see things that are not really there.
These episodes can last anywhere from hours to days to even weeks. A person may alternate back and forth from mania to depression quickly or may rarely ever feel manic. The mood swings can also have varying degrees of severity, sometimes even requiring hospitalization.
Genetics plays at least a partial role in causing this disorder, but it is not the sole factor. Evidence shows that it may also be due to the improper functioning of electrical and chemical elements in the brain. Whatever the cause, it affects the way a person thinks, feels, and acts.
Bipolar disorder most often starts in teenagers and young adults, but is often not diagnosed or may even be misdiagnosed as something else. This condition equally affects men and women as well as people of all races and ethnic groups.
If you have bipolar disorder, this does not mean you cannot lead a normal life. Many treatment options are available including medication, therapy, and other tools to manage symptoms. Learning to recognize your triggers, having a support network, and understanding the illness can all be helpful.
Because symptoms and their severity vary from person to person, it is important for a person with bipolar disorder to stay in close contact with a qualified health care provider. Suicide is a risk factor with Bipolar Disorder and must always be taken seriously. If you or a loved one suffers from any of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to know that help is available. Contact a doctor immediately. Together you can explore treatment options that can be very effective.