Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can be defined as a “mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in mood, inciting episodes of both mania and depression.” At some stage in the "overexcited" episodes, patients swing into an idealistically “high” state of mind and for a moment loses touch with some realities. On the excessive end they may think they have super powers, or to a lesser extent, shop vicariously for posh items which they don't need and usually which they can't afford.

These episodes vary with a depressive state. In this period there is a shortage of energy, irritability, sadness, and a feeling of hopelessness. In the meantime there can be periods where the patient seems to be normal, balanced, and in control. A small percentage of bipolar patients do, however, experience chronic residual symptoms. The premature designation for this condition was "manic depression" and at present it is called as bipolar disorder to point out the polar opposites, or again, shifts in disposition and awareness.

The two poles of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. This is the slightest complicated form of the illness. Listed below are some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder both in the mania phase and depressive stage:

Mania phase:

• Remarkable increase in energy with a decreased need for sleep.
• Racing feelings that are at times uttered during rapid-fire conversation.
• Way of thinking is "high" or ecstatic - as if they could do almost anything.
• Easy distractibility and sometimes irritability.
• Poor judgment - example, purchasing things one can't pay for or use.
• Alcohol or drug abuse, mainly cocaine and sleeping pills.
• Antagonistic behavior, sometimes insulting.
• Contradiction that something is wrong or different.

Depressive stage:

• Unrelenting sadness, nervousness, or a feeling of "bareness".
• Negativity or desperation that is not defensible by circumstances.
• Thoughts of guiltiness, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Excessive weariness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
• Disturbances while sleeping.
• Issues in food stuffs i.e. loss of appetite and weight or increased appetite and weight gain.
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Questions:

• How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
• Who is at greatest risk for bipolar disorder?