You've seen this disorder take over a person in a television portrayal, while in the real world, it is sometimes spoken of in whispers and rumors. You may not be exactly sure what it is, but from what you?ve seen and heard, bipolar disorder isn?t exactly a positive situation. What it is, is a very frightening and dangerous condition.
Whether you have had personal experience with, or exposure to this disorder, or not, everyone should have a better understanding of bipolar disorder.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Formerly refered to as manic depression, bipolar disorder is an occurance of mood disorders in which the affected person may experience one, or all of the following conditions: depression, mania or hypomania, and mixed states. True bipolar disorder is considered to be a disability, and those individuals who suffer with this problem, no matter how regular, or normal they may appear at times, are therefore considered disabled.
Cases of bipolar disorder generally fall into one of two categorized positions. Bipolar I, and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is regarded as being more acute. Should Bipolar I be left untreated, it could lead to a severly disabling condition.
What Is The Difference Between Bipolar Disorder And Unipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder deals with both elevated and depressive mood states. Unipolar disorder (also known as major, or clinical depression) differs in that it only deals with depressive mood states.
People suffering from bipolar disorder will experience extreme mood swings. Their moods will fluctuate from one mood to another greatly affecting their ability to function. The mood swings, also known as ?cycling,? usually affect the person?s cognitive functioning, energy levels, sociability, activity levels, and sleep patterns.
What Are The Dangers Of Suffering From Bipolar Disorder?
Sadly, the greatest danger of suffering from bipolar disorder is the high suicide rate associated with those people who suffer from it. In fact, those individuals suffering from bipolar disorder are up to three times more likely to commit suicide than those suffering from unipolar disorder.
Some symptoms of suicidal tendencies may include:
* The excessive use of drugs and/or the excessive consumption of alcohol
* Talking about feeling a need to end one's own life
* A feeling of hopelessness, along with the belief that circumstances and situations will never improve
* Feeling helpless and seeing themself as a burden to family and friends
* Deliberately placing one?s self in situations that could lead to serious injury or even death
* All of a sudden, putting one?s personal affairs in order. Preparing a will, giving away valued possessions, as if preparing to die.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Before any treatment is prescribed, a person suffering from bipolar disorder should first get an accurate diagnosis of their case. An accurate diagnosis provides greater understanding, and more effective treatment options.
Also an important part of the treatment of bipolar disorder is a good prognosis. It is absolutely necessary for the patient to locate an experienced doctor to diagnose, provide a prognosis, and constantly monitor, observe, and examine the patient.
If at any time a family member, friend, or caretaker witnesses a person suffering from bipolar disorder exhibiting any of the suicidal symptoms mentioned above they must do any of the following:
* Immediately call the person?s doctor, and/or take them to the nearest emergency room
* Never leave the person alone
* Keep the person out of any area that may have potentially dangerous items (knives, blades, sharp objects, etc.).
Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internets most popular topics.
To read more on this topic, please visit Bipolar Information & Resources!
Major Depression and Manic Depression — Any Difference?
Countless number of patients and their family members have asked me about manic–depression and major depression. "Is there any difference?" "Are they one and the same?" "Is the treatment the same?" And so on.
Would you Recognize Manic Depression Symptoms?
Manic Depression is a serious medical illness and it is not something that you have made up in your head or something you can just "snap" out of. Most people think that depression is just a prolonged bad mood which it is not; it is a mood disorder that influences every aspect of daily life.
Understanding The Facts About Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression as some people call it, is a very frightening condition to live with. The symptoms of this disorder can be harsh, they can come and go rapidly and they can lead to mood swings that are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Bipolar depression is the particular swing that can present some of the most problems for those who suffer from the condition.
How To Overcome Your Bipolar Disorder And Depression As A Parent
It can be tough for a parent who has depression to manage the household. Not only do you have to take care of the kids, you also have to deal with your issues. Sometimes your depression, bipolar disorder or your fears can interfere with your job as a parent. What can a parent do to get better?
Manic – Bipolar Depression Facts and Reality
Manic depression - Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.Some mornings can start with overriding feelings of joy, elation and power.
Depression Tests: A Great Help in Diagnosing Depression Disorders
Depression tests are given by health providers in order to assess the level of depression of the patient Different Depression Tests vary not only in their set of questions but on their assessment procedures as well
Bipolar disorder symptoms-free yourself from bipolar disorder
There are a lot of illnesses in the world today. This is because the scientific advance has made life very fast. Everyone is work oriented and people face too much stress in their day to day life. This stress has brought about several illnesses. Among them is bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder - How to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects many people, often times for years, before it gets treated. In this article, I'll explain how you can get help for bipolar disorder, and what options you have available to you. Use this information to determine the necessary course of action to take for your situation, or for someone you love or know.
About Diet And The Manic Depression On People
In the world of science, diet and the manic depression, especially the manic depression, are really challenging for doctors all over the world. It?s very little researched and the cures are not that productive.
Manic Depression Symptoms
Manic depression or as it is also known Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes the sufferer to have rapid shifts in mood of such a magnitude to affect an individuals normal functioning.