Bipolar Disorder - An Overview

People often have varied phases of ups and downs, episodes of bliss and depressions in life but people suffering from bipolar disorder face a lot more. The disorder results in intense mood shifting from manic depression to hyper mania and this may seriously affect their career, job, relationships and disrupt their daily life. Though bipolar disorder can be treated but the miserable fact about it is that very few people actually recognize the symptoms or warning signs and are prepared to get the help needed. Without treatment, the condition tends to worsen and this may even restrict the ability to function normally. Hence, recognizing the symptoms at early stage is very important.

Chief symptoms of bipolar disorder are: episodes of elevated or irritable mood complemented by dramatic increase in activity, energy and thinking. The illness has two contrasting phases:

• Bipolar or hypo-mania: During this phase, a person might get very energetic, shopping sprees on credit cards, or impetuously quit a job. The symptoms include- inflates self-esteem, hyper-activeness, impulsiveness, aggressiveness e.g. picking up fights, euphoria, excessive racing thoughts e.g. fast driving and great vigor.
• Depression: During this phase, the same person might get too tired and shall be full of hopefulness due to being unemployed and in debt. The symptoms include: low energy level, fatigue, insomnia, poor coordination & concentration, suicidal thoughts, loneliness and lack of interest in usual activities

The specific causes of bipolar disorder have not yet been identified, but it can be said to be linked to heredity. Yet not every person with an inherited susceptibility develops the illness, signifying that genes are not the only cause. Psychological factors like stress sleep deprivation and external factors like lifestyle, seasonal changes, etc. are also believed to be reason behind development of this particular pyschological disorder.

Though the symptoms may be almost same in every person suffering from bipolar disorder, yet they would vary extensively in the severity, frequency and pattern. Some may be more susceptible to depression, while others may alternate equally between the two phases. The symptoms can also be confusing, resulting in patients being overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, with proper medication, social support, lifestyle changes, healthy therapy and a little self-help, people suffering from bipolar disorder can get treated and continue to spend their life normally & successfully.

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