Bipolar Living

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, thinking and mood with depressive episodes. The elevated moods are called mania or hypomania. Individuals may experience also a mixed state in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These moods are usually separated by periods of normal moods; but, sometimes, depression and mania may rapidly cycle, which is known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms as hallucinations and delusions. The disorder includes bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced.
Studies show that the condition is lifetime. full symptoms usually begin in late adolescence or young adulthood. Episodes can be associated with distress and disruption and a risk of suicide, especially during depressive episodes. In some cases, it can be a devastating long-lasting disorder. It has also been associated with creativity, goal striving, and positive achievements. There is evidence to say that many people with creative talents have also suffered from some form of bipolar disorder. Often creativity and bipolar disorder are linked.
Genetics contribute to the developing of bipolar disorder, and environmental factors are also aggravate the condition. Bipolar disorder is often treated with psychiatric drugs. Psychotherapy is helpful often when there has been some recovery of the subject's stability. In serious cases, in which there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, the person has to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. These cases generally involve severe manic episodes with dangerous behavior or depressive episodes with suicidal thoughts. There are widespread problems with being Bipolar. People with bipolar disorder exhibiting psychotic symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia a serious mental illness
The experiences and behaviors involved in bipolar disorder are often not understood by individuals. Treatment is somtimes not accepted even though there is increased public awareness of the condition.
Individuals are commonly misdiagnosed. An individual may appear simply depressed when they are seen by a medical professional. This can result in misdiagnosis of Depressive disorder (Unipolar).
The bipolar disorder diagnosis is used technically with anyone with a history hypomania and depression no matter what their current or future functioning .
For many individuals with bipolar disorder a good prognosis results from good treatment. Because bipolar disorder be often misdiagnosed, it is often difficult for individuals with the condition to receive competent treatment.
Bipolar disorder can be a severly crippling mental condition. But, most individuals with bipolar disorder can live full and satisfying lives. Medication is often needed to enable this. Persons with bipolar disorder may have periods of normal or near normal functioning between episodes.
Prognosis depends the right medicines and dosage, a competent medical doctor and therapist; and good physical health, which includes exercise, nutrition, and a low stress level. Other factors that lead to a good prognosis, is having insight and recognizing any change from the norm such as sleep patterns, energy levels, and thinking habits..