Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression)
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What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by opposing moods which accompany the illness.
People with bipolar disorder experience great highs (manic stage) and great lows
(depressive stage). Bipolar illness often begins with a depression in adolescence
or early adulthood, although the first manic episode may not occur until several
years later.
- Bipolar disorder affects 1% of the population
- The first major depression usually occurs during a person’s 20’s
- Depression is 4 - 5 times higher in people between ages 18 - 44
- If untreated, 20% of depressive episodes can last for up to two years
What causes bipolar disorder?
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. Researchers believe however that
biological factors such as genetics and the brain’s chemistry seem to play a
major role in producing the illness. One’s personality, along with stresses in
the environment, may also play a part in bringing on an acute episode of mania
or depression. Stress management along with medication has been very helpful in
controlling manic and depressive episodes.
What are the symptoms?
An individual who has bipolar disorder experiences both mania and depression.
Attacks of mania come on very quickly, sometimes within a single day, or can
build slowly. Manic episodes can last for hours, weeks or months.
Symptoms of the manic phase (some or all may be present):
- A sudden onset of exhilaration and giddiness that increases in intensity --
the individual’s mood seems excessively good
- Expressions of unwarranted optimism and lack of judgment –- self-confidence
can reach the point of grandiose delusions, including beliefs such as having a
special connection with God
- The individual may think that nothing, not even the laws of gravity, can
prevent the accomplishment of a goal. As a result, the person may think it
possible to step off a building or out of a moving car without being hurt
(hallucinations may occur)
- Excessive plans or participation in numerous activities. The individual
fails to recognize that there is not enough time in the day to complete all
his or her tasks
- Mania can result in reckless driving, spending sprees, increased intake
of alcohol or other drugs, foolish business investments or sexual behavior
unusual for the person
- Flight of ideas. Thoughts race uncontrollably and words spill out in a non-stop rush
- Ideas change abruptly from topic to topic. In a severe manic episode, loud
rapid speech becomes difficult to interpret because thoughts are so disorganized
and incoherent
- Decreased need for sleep. The individual can go for days with little or no
sleep without feeling tired
- Distractibility. Attention is easily diverted to inconsequential or unimportant details
- Sudden irritability, rage, paranoia. When the individual’s grandiose plans
are thwarted or excessive social overtures are refused, an emotional outburst
may ensue
Without treatment the manic phase can last for about 4 months.
The individual may then have a period of normal mood and behaviour,
but the depressive stage soon sets in. In some people, the
depressive mood occurs immediately or within a few months.
For others a long interval of a few years may precede the
next manic or depressive interval. Depressions come and go
more slowly.
Symptoms of the depressive phase (some or all may be present):
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, total indifference, and/or
guilt
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Jumpiness, irritability
- Withdrawal from formerly enjoyable activities, social contacts, work, sex
- Inability to concentrate or remember things
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Loss of appetite or noticeable increase in appetite
- Persistent fatigue or lethargy
- Insomnia or noticeable increase in the amount of sleep needed
What are the treatments?
Bipolar disorder responds well to treatment once the illness has been diagnosed.
The diagnosis should be made by a physician who is familiar with bipolar disorder
and depression, since the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be confused with other
illnesses. There are many different types of medication that can be used to help
manage an individual’s mood swings. Through a combination of psychotherapy and
medication, an individual can lead a full, productive life. Any medication must
be monitored carefully by a trained physician.
Where can one go for help?
Remember, you are not alone. You will be taking a major step toward recovery
when you begin to seek help. For more information contact the Canadian Mental
Health Association, Ontario, toll-free at 1-800-875-6213 or the Mood
Disorders Association of Ontario at (416) 486-8046/1-888-486-8236.
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