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BiPolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a complex mood disorder characterized by “mood swings”. Among the more than five million adults in America who have Bipolar Disorder, these mood swings can be extreme or frequent. These changes in mood aren’t as simple as transitioning from “happy” to “sad.” With Bipolar Disorder, symptoms can include both a lowering of mood (depression) and an exaggerated elevation of mood (mania). These changes occur in cycles and are referred to as “episodes.” People with Bipolar Disorder experience extreme mood swings that can take three different forms: manic, depressive, and mixed episodes. In a manic episode, some people with Bipolar Disorder may experience an elevated (extremely happy) mood, often described as feeling “on top of the world.” Others may feel very agitated and act uncooperative and aggressive, which can be frightening for themselves and others. Patients often report that these episodes result in consequences that must be dealt with after the symptoms fade. A diagnosis for a manic episode includes either an elevated or an irritable mood lasting at least a week plus three or more of the following symptoms:
Bipolar Disorder is often difficult to initially diagnose because people only tend to seek treatment during a depressive episode and neglect to discuss manic symptoms with their healthcare professional. There are no lab tests or other procedures for diagnosing Bipolar Disorder. Instead, a healthcare professional must take a very thorough history of both the patient and, if possible, the patient’s family. Bipolar Disorder does tend to run in families. While there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, there are effective approaches to help manage these symptoms. Some options may include talk therapy, group therapy, and prescription medication or any combination of these. For more information on Bi-Polar Disorder go to: National Institute of Mental Health National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression American Psychological Association PsychCentral MentalHelp.net National Institute of Mental Health MayoClinic.com Bipolar.com Patient Voices: Bipolar Disorder |