Recognizing Bipolar Manic Depressive Disorder

There are over five million adults diagnosed of bipolar manic depressive disorder in the United States. Also, the three and a half million American children and adolescents diagnosed of depression are highly likely to experience bipolar manic disorder symptoms or bipolar depression. The condition can reduce up to nine years from your life span which for some individuals can also cause them to be suicidal or self-destructive behaviors as stated by the National Health Institute of Mental Health. Hence, one of the leading causes of human disability is bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder. Bipolar is a psychiatric illness that causes unusual and sudden changes to mood, activity and energy levels, which may affect an individual’s ability to carry out his day to day tasks. Going from feeling very sad, helpless and despaired, manic depression symptoms can cause him/her to shift to feeling euphoric happiness, being overly active and practically on top of the world, which has been known to break relationships, affect job and school performance, or even cause suicide.

Meaning of Bipolar Manic Depression

High levels of energy, inability to sleep; having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative is part of bipolar manic disorder symptoms. Low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt is bipolar depression symptoms. Every day a patient may experience several of these symptoms. During late teen or early adult years, bipolar symptoms usually occur. At around 15 – 25 years of age most patients started experiencing symptoms. Women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men, according to the Bipolar disorder statistics. Having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one’s risk of developing bipolar symptoms as stated by the National Health Institute of Mental Health.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosis involves physical examinations, interview, lab tests like blood work and brain scans and evaluation of the patient’s medical history. After a complete diagnostic evaluation, the doctor may provide referral to a trained mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, who is more experienced in handling bipolar disorder. Proper and immediate diagnosis is extremely important in helping bipolar sufferers lead a normal life. It will also help provide the right kind of treatment that will reduce the frequency or severity of the symptoms.

Treatment

A mixture of psychotherapy and medicines are typically suggested to efficiently stop relapse of manic depression symptoms. Mood stabilizers, anti psychotic medications, and atypical anti psychotic things might be prescribed for bipolar individuals. They’re typically prescribed by a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. In a few instances, sedatives or sleep medicines are suggested to patients who have difficulty with sleep. “Talk therapy” or “psychotherapy” offers guidance, education, and support for bipolar individuals in addition to their families. This involves various approaches like social rhythm therapy and psychological education, family concentrated therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intrapersonal therapy.

Caution

Additional illnesses might coexist with bipolar manic depressive disorder, resulting in it being much harder to treat and diagnose. Abusing substances might make symptoms of bipolar disorder last longer or trigger them and result in behavioral issues related to the disorder. Anxiety problems like post traumatic stress, ADD, and social fears might overlap with the disorder. Additionally, individuals dealing with this problem have a greater risk of getting thyroid problems, diabetes, migraines, and additional physical problems. Thus, getting expert assistance when having symptoms of these disorders is recommended.