Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (manic-depressive) is a brain disorder that is characterized by unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.  Manic-depressive disorder is different from the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences in life.  These mood swings are severe.  Some forms range from blissfully happy and ecstatic to homicidal and full of rage in a matter of hours.  Bipolar Disorder symptoms are severe and can result in damaging relationships, poor job or academic performance, and even suicide.

Recent research by leading psychologists suggests a plethora of factors contribute to an individual potentially suffering from bipolar disorder.  These factors include childhood environment, psychological processes, social interactions, neurobiology, and hereditary genetic makeup.  There is hope however; the good news is that with treatment, people with this disorder can lead productive full lives.

Statistics show that 5.7 million American adults age 18 and over have bipolar disorder in any given year.  The serious nature of bipolar disorder causes medical professionals to consider a large number of medicinal treatments for the disorder.  Commonly, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, and anti-depressants are offered to patients by doctors in order to encourage mental stability and reduce the swing of individual’s moods.

Because Bipolar Disorder is not often recognized as an illness, people may suffer for years before a diagnosis is made and properly treated.  The tendency of bipolar sufferers to exhibit signs of a variety of other different disorders often leads to an arduous and confusing diagnosis period in individual’s search for answers to their mental health woes.  Once a correct diagnosis is achieved, individuals can face bipolar disorder effectively with the help of a professional psychiatrist.

Like other illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, bipolar is a long-term illness that requires careful management throughout a person’s life.  People with manic-depressive disorder experience distorted moods, thoughts, and behaviors.  In some cases, people with this disorder experience such a disturbance in their rational thought capacity that they lose their desire and will to live.  Because this is such a serious illness, people with this condition should seek medical attention.  With proper treatment, people with bipolar can live full and productive lives.

Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental health disorder which requires medical attention. If you think you may suffer from bipolar disorder, contact a psychologist to determine diagnosis and determine treatment so that you can continue to live a full and productive life.

Read more on other mental health topics such as: Drug Abuse, Mental Health, Bulimia, and Depression