Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes person suffering from it to experience unusual shifts in their energy and activity levels, mood and the ability to carry out their day-to-day functions. Bipolar disorder is defined by events called “mood episodes.” When a person experiences a mood episode, their behaviors and emotions are very different from what they typically experience. They will have extreme changes in their sleep habits, energy and levels of activity. There are two main mood episodes experienced by those with bipolar disorder: depressive and manic. Sometimes a person can experience both depressive and manic episodes at the same time. As an example, someone could feel really energized but also very sad and hopeless.
Manic episodes may make the person feel:
a grandiose sense of self
a decreased need for sleep
much more talkative than they usually are
that their thoughts are racing
easily distracted
the increased need to perform goal-related activities
the need to engage in risky behaviors like spending too much money or poor business investments.
Depressive episodes may make the person feel:
extreme sadness or hopelessness
zero interest in most activities
changes in appetite resulting in weight gain or loss
the need to sleep too much or too little
restlessness and physical agitation that is noticeable by others
extreme fatigue
feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-hate
the inability to concentrate or make decisions
thoughts of death or suicide
There are four types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I:
People with Bipolar I experience manic episodes that last at least 7 days or have manic symptoms that are so severe it requires them to be immediately hospitalized. The person may also experience depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. A mix of both episodes at the same time is also possible.
Bipolar II:
Those with Bipolar II will experience very similar symptoms to those with Bipolar I, however the manic episodes are not as intense and are experienced as hypomanic episodes instead. More on hypomanic episodes later.
Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia:
Cyclothymic disorder is defined as numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive episodes that last for at least 2 years. The symptoms of Cyclothymic disorder do not meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders:
Any bipolar symptoms that do not match the symptoms described in the three categories above.
Hypomania:
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that may make the person feel really good. They will be very productive and remain high-functioning. Usually, the person suffering from hypomania will not feel unbalanced in any way but it will be obvious to friends and family that their moods or activity levels have changed. Becoming self-aware of symptoms and changes in activity patterns or moods is very important because without treatment those suffering from hypomania are at an increased risk of developing depression or extreme mania.
Psychosis:
Psychosis is a rare but not unusual symptom of bipolar disorder. When experiencing psychosis the person may have delusions or hallucinations. The psychosis symptoms usually match the person's current episode. For example, a person in a manic episode may believe that they are rich, famous or has super powers. Someone in a depressive episode might believe that they are deep in poverty, guilty of a crime or that their life is ruined.
Many who have bipolar disorder also experience other forms of mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse or eating disorders. Physically, they are at an increased risk for thyroid disease, heart disease, migraines, diabetes and obesity. People who are bipolar often have difficulty in school, misuse drugs and/or alcohol and have relationship troubles.
Risk Factors:
Most scientists agree that there is not one single cause of bipolar disorder, but many factors that contribute to the illness or an increased risk of becoming bipolar. Some studies show that the brains of people with bipolar disorder are different from the brains of healthy people or the brains of people with other mental health disorders. Some research suggests that genetics play a role in developing bipolar disorder, but that they are not the only risk factor. Bipolar disorder does tend to run in families, and children who have a parent or sibling suffering from bipolar disorder are at a higher risk to develop the disorder themselves.
Treatments:
Treatments for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants. ECT, (electroconvulsive therapy) and psychotherapy which provides the patient with support, guidance and education.
Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder:
Demi Lovato-diagnosed at 22
Mariah Carey-diagnosed in 2001
Sinead O'Connor-diagnosed over a decade ago
Jane Pauley-diagnosed in her 50's
Jean-Claude Van Damme-diagnosed in 1998
Catherine Zeta-Jones-diagnosed in 2011
Carrie Fisher-diagnosed at 29
Russell Brand-diagnosed in adolescence
Kurt Cobain-diagnosed at a young age
Stay tuned for a post outlining resources for bipolar disorder later this week.
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