Severe Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is classified as a mood disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). In general, a mood disorder involves disturbances in one's emotions that are severe enough to impede daily functioning. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternations between periods of extreme euphoria and periods of extreme depression. The typical onset for bipolar disorder is at or around age 20. It is equally distributed among men and women and is often treated with lithium. People with this disorder are more likely to commit suicide than those who suffer from depression alone.
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Manic Episodes
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During manic phases, people with bipolar disorder experience extreme elation. They are often very talkative and productive. They do not sleep much and can be impulsive and reckless at times. It is not uncommon for them to spend excessive amounts of money and make outrageous and spontaneous decisions. They may be very creative and imaginative at this time.
Depression Episodes
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People with bipolar disorder also experience phases of depression. These phases tend to be more frequent and last longer than the manic episodes. During these phases, people experience extreme sadness and misery. They often feel that they are worthless and uncared for. They experience a loss of pleasure in nearly all activities. They do not leave the house or socialize much. Crying excessively is also very common. They usually exhibit weight loss due to a loss of appetite and have little energy. Many people spend a majority of time sleeping or in bed during depression phases. Suicidal thoughts or actions may also occur. They often feel hopeless and experience feelings of self-loathing and indifference. An extreme decrease in libido is quite common as well.
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Misconceptions
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It is a common misconception that bipolar disorder and major depression are the same. Bipolar disorder is different from major depression. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must experience at least one manic episode. People can also experience mild bipolar disorder known as cyclothymia.
Causes and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
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It is believed that this disorder is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Bipolar disorder impacts approximately 3 percent of the American population. This disorder is not curable, but it can be controlled with medical treatments such as lithium.
Interesting Fact
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Given that one of the symptoms of mania is extreme creativity and productivity, it is not surprising that some of the greatest writers and artists suffered from bipolar disorder, including Jim Carrey, Ben Stiller, Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, Ludwig van Beethoven, Tim Burton, Francis Ford Coppola, Jimi Hendrix and Virginia Woolf.
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