Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, which is also referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is a type of mood disorder that involves mood swings that occur between periods of mania and depression. These changes in mood can last for hours, days, weeks, or months, and can range in severity. The episodes of mania and the rapid and unpredictable mood swings distinguish bipolar disorder from clinical depression.http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_bipolar_overview

The precise cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown, but research shows a high possibility of a genetic component.http://cms.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=74F71A5E-1372-4D20-C830054B471F27A0The symptoms are typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it is common for the disorder (or depression on its own) to run in the family.http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-topic-overview

The symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on a patient's mood swings. Some of the symptoms of mania include:

• Feeling energetic
• Elevated mood (or irritation)
• An increase in self-esteem
• Impulsive actions
• Irrationality
• Aggression
• Sleeplessness
• Racing thoughts
• Becoming distractedhttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-symptoms

After a patient comes down from a manic episode, they may feel completely normal. They may, however, fall down into a depression instead.http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-topic-overview Here are some symptoms of depression:

• Long periods of sadness
• Hopelessness
• Irregular eating and sleeping patterns
• Irritability
• Decreased energy
• Decreased interest in normal activities
• Thoughts of suicidehttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-symptoms

Many people who are first experiencing signs or symptoms of bipolar disorder are placed in therapy and are given mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, or benzodiazepines. Some patients need to be hospitalized due to expressed intentions of suicide or general poor judgment. Later down the road, a patient's medications can be reduced or altered, and they may be put on antidepressants. Ongoing counseling is recommended for people with bipolar disorder, and medications may be necessary in the long term.http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-treatment-overview

• Topix: Bipolar Disorder News
• The New York Times: Bipolar Disorder News Articles
• HealthDay: Biomarkers for Mood May Alter Psychiatric Treatments (February 28, 2008)
  • Biomarkers in the blood associated with mood disorders have been identified by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers, who said the finding may change the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated.
• ScienceDaily: Chemical Signature Of Manic Depression Discovered (February 10, 2008)
• HealthDay: Bipolar Diagnoses in Younger People Show Huge Increase (September 4, 2007)
• HealthDay: Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Under-Recognized (May 9, 2007)
• Reuters: Antidepressants don't help bipolar depression (April 26, 2007)
• HealthDay: Intensive Psychotherapy Boosts Bipolar Disorder Outcomes (April 5, 2007)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on bipolar disorder.