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Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression

About 1% of the American poulation experiences bipolar disorder annually. It is a form of a mood disorder.

Formerly called manic-depressive illness, it is characterized by the occurrence of mania (euphoria) alternating with bouts of depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by changes from one extreme mood to its polar opposite - for instance, from depression to the euphoric or grandiose state known as mania. The mood disturbances can be so severe that the individual loses touch with reality. He or she may feel suicidal when depressed, and when manic may engage in risky or self-destructive behavior such as spending large amounts of money, gambling compulsively, etc.

This illness involves major depressive episodes alternating with high-energy periods of wildly unrealistic activity.

A manic friend might, for example, call at 3 a.m. to announce in all seriousness that she's flying to Hollywood immediately to marry Robert Redford, and star in his next movie.

Typically, bipolar disorder develops without any clear cause.

Four key diagnostic categories

• bipolar I – at least one manic episode with or without a depressive episode;
• bipolar II – one hypomanic episode and at least one depressive episode;
• cyclothymia – long-term depressive and hypomanic symptoms but no episodes of major depression, hypomania or mania; and
• mixed episode – criteria are met for both a manic episode and for major depression nearly every day for at least a 1-week period.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of Manic Highs

• Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking.
• Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings.
• Extreme irritability and distractibility.
• Decreased need for sleep.
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers.
• Uncharacteristically poor judgment.
• A sustained period of behavior that is different from usual.
• Increased sexual drive.
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications.
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior.
• Denial that anything is wrong

Symptoms of Depressive Lows

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex.
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down".
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain.
• Chronic pain or other persistent body symptoms that are not caused by physical disease.
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Depression Types

Normal Depressed Mood

Dysthymic Disorder (or Mild Depression)

Major Depression

Cyclothymic Disorder

Unipolar and Bipolar Depression

Bipolar Disorder (or Manic Depression)

• Hypomania
• Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Psychotic Depression

Atypical Depression

Post Partum Depression

Endogenous Depression

Bone Marrow Depression

Winter Depression

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