Common Questions About Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a brain disorder characterized by dramatic mood swings, fluctuating between "mania," or periods of extreme elation and/or irritability, and severe depression, often with phases of normal moods in between. Equally extreme fluctuations in energy and behavior accompany these mood changes, which can last from days to months.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally lifelong condition that often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in childhood. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen and people with this disorder often go through devastating life events such as marital breakups, job loss, substance abuse, and suicide. It generally requires lifelong treatment, which can be very effective in managing the disease and enabling people to live happy, productive lives.

What are some signs and symptoms of mania (the manic or "high" periods)?

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility, difficulty concentrating
• Little sleep needed
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

What are some signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode)?

• Lasting sad, anxious or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or inability to sleep
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder cannot yet be identified physiologically through a blood test or a brain scan. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by the person who has it. The "highs" of the disorder may feel good to a person, which may lead to denial that there is a problem. Bipolar disorder is also difficult to diagnose because symptoms may appear to be part of another illness or attributed to other problems such as substance abuse, poor school performance, or trouble in the workplace.

The first step of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation to rule out any other mental or physical disorders. If available, a family history is very important because the disease tends to run in families: 80% to 90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with either this disease or depression. A diagnosis is made on the basis of the amount and frequency of symptoms, as well as family history

What causes bipolar disorder?

There is no single cause for bipolar disorder, but many factors act together to produce the illness. In addition to genetic causes, evidence indicates that the disorder may be caused by chemical imbalance in certain parts of the brain.

Can children and adolescents have bipolar disorder?

Yes, both children and adolescents can have bipolar disorder, but it is more likely to occur in children with parents who have the disorder.

Children and adolescents will experience fast mood swings between depression and mania many times in the course of one day. Children with mania tend to be irritable and have temper tantrums. Adolescents will experience similar symptoms to adults with this illness. B

Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents has symptoms similar to attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other types of mental disorders such as major depression or schizophrenia. Therefore, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is a manageable and treatable disease. Because it is a reoccurring illness, long-term treatment is strongly advised. Medications, known as "mood stabilizers," are very important for controlling bipolar symptoms. In addition to medication, psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" is very helpful in providing support, education and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

Support and self-help groups are also an invaluable resource for learning how to cope with the disease and provide emotional and social support. Friends and family should join a support group to better understand the illness so that they can continue to offer encouragement and support to their loves ones.

How can individuals and families get help for bipolar disorder?

Getting help for bipolar disorder can be as simple as making a phone call. If you've had consistent symptoms every day for more than two weeks and your daily functioning is impaired, you should call your doctor. Primary care physicians can refer you to a mental health professional who can put you on a course of treatment. While primary care doctors can prescribe anti-depressant medications, bipolar disorder is ideally treated by a psychiatric specialist.

For more information, visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov