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
Bipolar manic disorder symptoms include high levels of energy, inability to sleep, having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative. Bipolar depression symptoms include low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt. A patient may experience several of these symptoms for every day. Bipolar symptoms usually occur during late teen or early adult years. Most patients started experiencing symptoms at around 25 years of age. According to the Bipolar disorder statistics, women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men. The National Health Institute of Mental Health also states that having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one’s risk of developing bipolar symptoms.
Examination
The initial step in diagnosing this involves lab and physical tests, interviews, brain scans, in addition to assessing the medical history of the patient. After a total diagnostic assessment, the physician might refer the patient to a trained mental health expert like a psychiatrist, who possesses greater amount of experience in dealing with bipolar patients. Instant and correct diagnosis is vitally crucial in assisting those suffering from the disorder in leading a regular life. Additionally, it will assist in giving the correct treatment type to lessen the seriousness and frequency of the symptoms.
Treatment
A combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually recommended to effectively prevent relapse of manic depression symptoms. Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, and anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine, aripiprazolw, quetiapine, risperidone) and antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed among bipolar patients. These are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In some cases, sleep medications or sedatives are recommended to patients having trouble sleeping. Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy’ provides support, guidance and education among bipolar patients as well as their families. It involves several approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, intrapersonal and social rhythm therapy and psycho education.
Word of 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.