Bipolar Disorder.....

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years.Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.

What are bipolar disorder symptoms and signs?

People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes."
manic---> An overly joyful or overexcited state
depression---> An extremely sad or hopeless state
Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state.

Symptoms of mania or a manic episode include:

Symptoms of depression or a depressive episode include:

Mood Changes A long period of feeling "high," or an overly happy or outgoing mood. Extremely irritable mood, agitation, feeling "jumpy" or "wired." Behavioral Changes Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts. Being easily distracted. Increasing goal-directed activities, such as taking on new projects. Being restless. Sleeping little. Having an unrealistic belief in one's abilities. Behaving impulsively and taking part in a lot of pleasurable, high-risk behaviors, such as spending sprees, impulsive sex, and impulsive business investments.

Mood Changes A long period of feeling worried or empty. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex. Behavioral Changes Feeling tired or "slowed down". Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions. Being restless or irritable. Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits. Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide.

illness co-exist with bipolar disorder...

* People with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses.
* Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social phobia, also co-occur often among people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder also co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has some symptoms that overlap with bipolar disorder, such as restlessness and being easily distracted.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The first step in getting a proper diagnosis is to talk to a doctor, who may conduct a physical examination, an interview, and lab tests. If the problems are not caused by other illnesses, the doctor may conduct a mental health evaluation also provide a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

To date, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. But proper treatment helps most people with bipolar disorder gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms.

Medications.. Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed and medications prescribed by people with an M.D. (doctor of medicine) or psychiatrist.