BIPOLAR

Everyone has heard of Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as Manic-Depression. We immediately think of extreme mood swings, from deep depressions to bouts of mania, including extreme behavior like mass killings or jumping off a roof.

But most sufferers never have incidents on that scale. If you have a loved one diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder don’t despair. There are tools and information to help both you and the sufferer.

Bipolar Disorder Facts You Should Know

Bipolar isn’t just about extremes

A sufferer can be either in a manic stage: over-excited, optimistic, and impulsive; or in a depressive state: hopeless, sluggish, and worthless. More commonly a bipolar sufferer can have ‘middle’ stages with normal ups and downs like anyone.

The several types of Bipolar Disorder

While this disorder can present in a number of ways, the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) divides symptoms into 4 general categories:

Bipolar I: Manic periods lasting 7 days or more, or severe enough to require hospitalization. Bipolar I sufferers usually have depressive states that last at least 2 weeks.

Bipolar II: A pattern of highs and lows, but more focused on depressive states with only mild manic periods and no periods of mixed symptoms.

Cyclothymic Disorder: A mild form with periods of both mania and depression without extremes, and episodes may not be as disruptive of normal life activities.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified: The catch-all category of cases that do not necessarily fit either Bipolar I or Bipolar II and have symptoms severe enough to interfere with normal life activities.

Little known facts according to the NIMH

· Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year.

· Median age of onset is 25 years, although the illness can start in early childhood or as late as the 40's and 50's.

· An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found across all ages, genders, races, ethnic groups and social classes.

· More than two-thirds have at least one close relative with bipolar disorder or unipolar major depression, indicating the disease may have a heritable component.

Bipolar ‘downs’ are often misdiagnosed as depression

Sufferers may stay in depression for years or months at a time. In some cases, manic episodes may be so mild or rare they go unnoticed; therefore, the condition can easily be mistaken for depression. This can pose an additional risk since anti-depressants can trigger mood swings in people with bipolar.

The manic state “high’ can feel excitable, optimistic and often be productive

High mood swings can be devastating and create undesirable consequences. Mood stabilizing medicines can dull the highs as well as the lows; however, because these periods can feel so euphoric many bipolar sufferers grow to desire them. A feeling of numbness and missing the highs is the most common reason bipolar sufferers go off of medications.

Manic periods can include delusions and hallucinations

People often think depression creates the highest periods of risk but this is not necessarily true. In a manic state, hallucinations and delusions can lead to excessive risk-taking or engaging in dangerous activities.

Suicide is a major risk

Among all affective disorders, bipolar disorder carries the highest risk of suicide.

An estimated 25-50% will attempt suicide at least once, and highest risk is among young men who are in the early phase of the illness, those abusing alcohol, and those recently discharged from the hospital. Remarkably, evidence of the long-term effectiveness of most treatments on suicidal behavior is poor.

Self-injury is not a suicide attempt . . . and it does not always mean cutting

Those who self-harm may be at a risk for suicide but the two are not the same. Self-harm incidents do not necessarily indicate a sufferer is attempting or will soon attempt suicide. And self-harm can include such things as cutting, punching walls to bruise and scrape knuckles, or intentionally sabotaging healing wounds.

Manic and depressive periods don’t only affect mood

Energy, sleep patterns and mental clarity also cycle. In manic states, sex drive may be heightened and need for sleep may seem minimal; thoughts may race, creativity may soar, and sufferers may make grand, highly detailed plans. In depressive states it may be hard to sleep or sleep may not feel restful. It may be hard to keep focus, think clearly, and make decisions. Appetite and sex drive may also drop.

Mood swings may not be frequent

It is commonly thought that mood swings must happen several times a week for the condition to qualify as bipolar disorder. In fact, depressive or manic states may last for months or even years. Alternately, the states can cycle very rapidly and symptoms of both may even occur at the same time.

Mood changes can be triggered

While we often think of bipolar as mood swings without cause, there often can be triggers for the changes. While medication might be indicated, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is recommended by the NIMH to help patients recognize triggers and change thought patterns that can lead to extreme episodes. Regular routines along with therapy, sufficient sleep, good nutrition, and an exercise regime may significantly reduce or prevent extreme manic episodes.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure but there are treatments and coping methods that can mitigate or alleviate symptoms. Most of all understanding the condition, and being surrounded by a support system of loved ones who also understand and offer support and assistance, can make it easier for sufferers to carry on a normal life.