|
It's common for everyone to feel a little down every now and
then. It's not unusual to be overly elated occasionally.
However, some people suffer from extreme feelings of high
and low and need help to manage these major "ups and downs."
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive
illness, is a psychiatric condition that causes drastic
shifts in a person's mood, energy level, and ability to
function. The symptoms are severe, but bipolar disorder can
be treated, and people diagnosed with the disorder can lead
rich, productive lives.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH), more than two million Americans have been diagnosed
with bipolar disorder. This long-term illness may go
undetected for years before it is diagnosed and treated.
There is no known single cause for bipolar disorder, but
heredity seems to be a large risk factor. Research findings
suggest that bipolar disorder does not occur because of one
gene, but rather many genes acting together and with other
combinations of the person's environment.
Carolyn Turvey, assistant professor in the UI Department
of Psychiatry, said the disorder doesn't target one specific
population.
"The main theory today is that bipolar disorder is a
genetic disorder," Turvey said. "People with a family member
who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be more
likely to develop the disorder."
Most people with bipolar disorder can manage the disorder
with long-term treatment, which includes medications usually
prescribed by a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is also a form
of treatment, but is mainly used to help manage the
disorder. Medications known as "mood stabilizers," the most
common being Lithium, are prescribed to help control bipolar
disorder. There are many different types of mood stabilizing
medications today, and when used for extended periods of
time, can produce positive results.
UI Hospitals and Clinics is part of a national
NIMH-sponsored study to identify genes that predispose
individuals to develop bipolar disorder. This study may
ultimately lead to earlier detection and improved treatment
for this disorder. Individuals who have bipolar disorder and
who also have a brother or sister with this condition are
invited to participate in this study. For more information
about this study, call 888-850-8531.
Variety of symptoms
People living with bipolar disorder experience a variety
of symptoms, the most prevalent being drastic mood swings.
This includes extreme episodes of mania and depression. The
NIMH classifies symptoms of mania as:
- Increased energy
- Excessively "high" euphoric mood
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts
- Lack of concentration
- Increased sexual drive
- Abuse of drugs
Symptoms of depression include:
- A lasting sad mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or
helplessness
- Decreased energy
- Change in appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of death or suicide
In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, Turvey said that
symptoms of mania must last for a week and symptoms of
depression must last for two weeks.
Suicidal thoughts are common among people with bipolar
disorder. Signs and symptoms to look for that may accompany
suicidal feelings include:
- Talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Feeling like a burden to family and friends
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Writing a suicide note
- Putting oneself in harm's way
If you or someone you know fits many of these criteria,
call a doctor or 911 immediately. It is important to
understand that these feelings are symptoms of the disorder
and, with treatment, can be overcome.
|
