Love to Hate

Bipolar disorder usually lasts a lifetime. Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder are free of symptoms, but some people may have lingering symptoms.

Some people may be diagnosed with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. This is when a person has four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed symptoms within a year

Some people experience more than one episode in a week, or even within one day. Rapid cycling seems to be more common in people who have severe bipolar disorder and may be more common in people who have their first episode at a younger age. One study found that people with rapid cycling had their first episode during mid to late teen years, than people without rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling affects more women than men.

Over time, a person may suffer more frequent and more severe episodes than when the illness first appeared. Also, delays in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment make a person more likely to experience personal, social, and work-related problems.6
Proper diagnosis and treatment helps people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and productive lives. In most cases, treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder, Some people with bipolar disorder may try to treat their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. However, substance abuse may trigger or prolong bipolar symptoms.

Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia, also co-occur often among people with bipolar disorder.Bipolar disorder also co-esist with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which has some symptoms that overlap with bipolar disorder, such as restlessness and being easily distracted.
People with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses. These illnesses may cause symptoms of mania or depression. They may also result from treatment for bipolar disorder.

Researchers are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most agree that there is no single cause.
Bipolar disorder runs in families, researchers are looking for genes that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. Genes help control how the body and brain work and grow. Genes are contained inside a person's cells that are passed down from parents to children.

Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history of bipolar disorder.
Genetic research on bipolar disorder type of research is now much quicker and more far-reaching than in the past. So far, researchers using a database found that most people with bipolar disorder had:
Missed work because of their illness. Other illnesses at the same time, especially alcohol and/or substance abuse and panic disorders Been treated or hospitalized for bipolar disorder.
There are certain traits that appeared to run in families, including: History of psychiatric hospitalization. Co-existing obsessive-compulsive. Age at first manic episode andNumber and frequency of manic episodes.
　
But genes are not the only risk factor for bipolar disorder. Studies of identical twins have shown that the twin of a person with bipolar illness does not always develop the disorder. This is important because identical twins share all of the same genes.This shows there may be factors other than genes as a cause.. It is likely that there are many different genes and a person's environment are a factor.
　
The Doctors and researchers greatest concern is that the symptoms will impact daily life, such as family, relationships, or job.
Patients have said they have canceled social engagements or rearranged their appointments because of bipolar depression.
Also people with bipolar disorder comment that bipolar depressive symptoms affected their ability to do housework and errands.
Therapists and Casemanagers question patients to better understand the impact of bipolar depression on people’s lives.

People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings from lows, called bipolar depression, to highs, called bipolar mania.
Many people with bipolar disorder report spending more time in the depressive phase which includes feelings of sadness and emptiness, depressed moods and inability to concentrate than in the manic Many people with bipolar disorder are feeling the effects of bipolar depression in their day-to-day lives.Bipolar disorder is a manageable disease, for most, but there are a number of factors that can get in the way of successful recovery.

Developing an appropriate treatment plan to successfully manage bipolar disorder. Patients need to feel comfortable with sharing their symptoms with their doctor. Describe how you’re feeling to the best of your ability using your own words, write down questions and concerns you have beforehand so you don’t forget them.Feel free to share anything and everything with your doctor, even if it feels personal or unimportant.

With the proper treatment medications and the right doctor bipolars can live a qualitive productive life