- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder, "also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives."
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Bipolar disorder is classically related to cyclic behavior, meaning severe mood changes that leave the patient in a euphoric state (also called a manic state) one moment and critically depressed the next. Rash behavior and irrational thought patterns are typical. Patients who suffer from bipolar disorder are eccentric and usually quite intelligent. Many painters, writers and actors/actresses have historically been bipolar.
Manic episodes may come with racing thoughts, excessive sleeplessness (staying awake several days at a time) and in some instances, great efficiency. An artist, for example, may slide into a manic state and complete five brilliant pieces, whereas he will be unable to lift a brush and may sleep for days during his concurrent depressive state.
These episodes are different in each patient, as far as duration and intensity. Some states may last for years if they are moderate in intensity or as little as a couple days if they incur insomnia or prolonged sleeping. -
The goal of prescription treatment of bipolar disorder is to manage the extreme ups and downs; thus a mood stabilizing medication, such as lithium or Depakote, is traditionally used in conjunctive therapy with antidepressants and/or antipsychotics. Because patients are usually unwilling to admit that there is a problem with their mood swings, or lifestyle, keeping them on medication is difficult.
Other medications that are typically used are sleeping aids (Unisom, Lunesta) and atypical antipsychotics (Zyprexa, Abilify). - Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is used most often for treatment of bipolar disorder, focuses on changing the behavior of the patient through self-awareness. The idea is that if a patient is aware of what is going on in her mind and her body during the course of her illness, she will be more in control of her actions. Inpatient therapy may be used upon initial diagnosis or, consequently, if the patient is unable to regulate her behavior in a healthy way. It is not unusual for bipolar patients to be admitted on an inpatient basis multiple times throughout the course of their life due to an inability to regulate patient compliance in regards to medication.
- According to Neuropsychiatry Reviews, 3.4 percent of Americans have bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, the best thing you can do is get help. Educate yourself on what living with the disorder means and talk about it with a trained professional. Many patients lead normal lives with the disorder, once they've engaged in treatment.
