Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a very frightening and frustrating condition. Anyone from any background or lifestyle can be bipolar; but it is also found to run in families. It is a scary sounding condition, but with treatment many are able to live normal lives.

It is a mood disorder, which affects the mood and emotions of children, as well as adults. In light of much education, it is now understood, that people who are Bipolar are not crazy, but have a chemical balance, that with medication and therapy can live normal, productive and successful lives.

There is Unipolar disorders, like depression, which is much more common and more understood and accepted. Unlike Unipolar Disorders, symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can range from low depressives moods to extremely elevated moods, called mania.

Over 5,000,000 Americans suffer from these disorders. This may affect you personally or someone you know or love. Education is one of the first steps necessary, to raise awareness of bipolar disorder, so that your can get the help you need personally or support someone you know who has it.

A depressive episode is a period when the person is experiencing daily symptoms of depression for two or more weeks. Other symptoms include:

• Loss of energy
• Excessive negative self-talk
• Feelings of worthlessness
  
• Confusion with and inability to concentrate
• Difficulty making decisions
• Loss of appetite
  
• Inability to enjoy any of life's pleasures
• Persistent thoughts of death or dying or suicidal thoughts
• Attempted suicide or have a plan for suicide

A person experiencing a manic episode, might at first appearance, seem to be a person who is extremely happy, high or intoxicated. This manic episode is pleasant, as the person feels like they have no problems, invincible and that are on top of the world.

Some people with Bipolar Disorders, don't like to take medication or will stop taking medication, because it makes their mood more balanced. With medication they don't have lows, but they don't have the pleasant highs either. Other symptoms a manic episode are:

* Inability, or no need to sleep. Can be up for two or three days
* Excessive talking
* Feelings of importance
* Delusions of grandeur
* Acting on impulse, promiscuity, excessive spending or shoplifting
* Easily distracted
* Ability to hyper-focus

Warning Signs

The signs that you or someone is beginning a new bipolar episode, can differ from person to person. It is important to know what the signs are. If action is taken quickly, you may be able to prevent the onset of an episode and prevent hospitalization. Some signs of an episode is beginning, may be and disinterest in hygiene or appearance, a jump in mood or energy level, or sexual interest, hyper-focus or confusion.

SEEKING TREATMENT

It is said that many people seek treatment for ten years before they are properly diagnosed. Bipolar will more easily be diagnosed if the patient seeks help when manic as well when depressed. A pattern will begin to emerge as you health care profession begins to get a better picture of your mental health history.

Having a bipolar disorder does not have to be the end of you life. There are many wonderful success stories, of people who sought help and are managing their disorder and doing well. Talk to your family to determine if there is a family history of mental illness. This mental disorder does tend to run in families.

There is said to be no cure, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Many also use a alternative treatments such as yoga, meditation, EFT, acupuncture and natural medicines in conjunction with traditional methods, to treat Bipolar Disorder symptoms.

Though dealing with mood disorders may be very challenging, continue to work with your mental health professional, until they come up with the right treatments that will help manage your symptoms!