Bipolar Depression and Other Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar depression is a mood disorder caused by unusual mood swings. Someone who experiences bipolar depression may experience periods of lows, and then swing in the opposite direction and feel highs with feelings of happiness and energy. Some people can have the swings in mood multiple times a day, whereas others may only have them a few times per year. The symptoms include mood swings of euphoric highs and lows. During the highs the person may show signs such as: a high self esteem; being very optimistic; increased sex drive; not sleeping very much .Also there are symptoms like being careless and not worrying about actions or consequences; more physically active.

When in  having a depressive episode these symptoms may appear; being sad all the time, or for extended periods; feelings of helplessness and hopelessness; not being able to sleep/sleeping excessively; poor appetite or overeating; thoughts of suicide

There are different types of Bipolar disorder: Bipolar I: someone suffering from this type of bipolar disorder has experienced at least one episode of mania in their life. Bipolar II this is similar to bipolar 1, but the person will most likely not have experienced a full manic episode during their high period which is called hypomanic. Most people also have one or more depressive moods.  Between episodes they usually live normal lives. Cyclothymic  This is a type where people have multiple episodes, possibly per year, but do not go into a full manic or depressive state. Even though they are having multiple episodes, they are not as severe as other types.

Depending on the symptoms you are suffering from there are different treatments that can be used. The most common is the use of medication and therapy. If the symptoms become extreme the person suffering may need to be hospitalized for a period of time. Even though the person may not have symptoms all of the time they need to continue to be treated. Bipolar disorder with depression is a serious illness and if you or someone you know has signs, a psychiatrist should be consulted immediately. If left untreated it could lead to serious problems for the person, and to people around them.

Other Facts about Bipolars

Becoming Bipolar is a myth.  It may seem like you can, but the fact is that you can not become a Bipolar.  Those who favor the genetic theory say that a person may carry the genes for Bipolar disorder all their life and suddenly become Bipolar later in life and become Bipolar when they are elderly.  Bipolar Disorder may become full blown if the person has been through a traumatic life event.  They may have been had a drastic change in their routine by: a move to a retirement community.  The stress may be make the latent symptoms to become active so that it may seem that the person has become Bipolar.  A heart or stroke or brain disease can look like Bipolar even though the person does not carry the genes.

Because there are episodes with Bipolars it can appear at any time when the stress of environmental changes is great enough. The person in reality has been Bipolar for life, however, the obvious symptoms may be triggered by a life even.  The Bipolar genes have been there all along but were triggered by the environment change and developed into a disorder.

Triggers which show genetic causes are any sort of trauma; substance abuse; biological illnesses; hormone changes and drastic changes in sleep habits can all be a triggers. Some women find that during menopause they experience Bipolar symptoms. Their hormonal balance is enough to trigger Bipolar symptoms. Trauma such as the sickness or death of someone close to you; violent crime become; traumatic enough to trigger Bipolar symptoms.  Soldiers coming from combat often become Bipolar after their traumatic experiences in combat.  Usually they are also suffering from post traumatic stress and need special treatment.  Reducing the post traumatic disorder can also reduce the bipolar symptoms.

Lack of sleep for a long period of time can be the biggest factor for making Bipolar disorder worse. People with Bipolar disorder should never stay awake all night; Midnight shifts at work should be avoided.  Bipolars should establish regular sleeping habits sleeping at regular times and waking up at the same time.  This alone is enough to counteract the Bipolar symptoms.  Changes in time zones can also trigger an episode for Bipolars and should be avoided as much as possible.

Avoiding triggers or lessening their severity makes it possible to thrive with Bipolar Disorder in life.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Treatment

Bipolar I Disorder am a type of Affective Disorder which is a psychiatric illness of mood disorder. The symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder am sometimes complex and confusing and can be mistaken for other illnesses. The symptoms of Bipolar I are changes in mood for a distinct period of time, feeling happy, optimistic, euphoric, irritable  Changes in thinking thoughts speeding through one's brain, unrealistic self confidence, difficulty concentrating, grandiose plans, delusions, hallucinations Changes in behavior  increased activity or socializing, immersion in plans or projects, talking very rapidly and excessively, excessive spending, impaired judgment, impulsive sexual involvement Changes in physical condition less need for sleep, increased energy, fewer  health complaints

Most people with Bipolar I Disorder also experience depression including depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, lack of appetite, sleep difficulties, lack of energy and thoughts of suicide. 

If you suspect, or if others around you have mentioned that your behavior has changed or your actions are different, and you are concerned you need to see a doctor to determine for diagnosis and treatment of mania or manic depression or bipolar disorder.

A diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder is when there are: one or more manic or mixed episodes and not be due to a medical condition, medication, drugs of abuse or alcohol abuse or treatment for depression.  The majority of patients who have a single episode of mania will have a recurrence.  Mixed episodes are more likely in younger patients and episodes occur more frequently with age.  Social and occupational outcomes of manic episodes can be serious; violence, child abuse, excessive debt, job loss, divorce.  Manic episodes are more likely to receive more attention compared to Depressive episodes. The suicide rate of bipolar patients is very high.  Common coexisting diagnoses include substance abuse, eating disorders, attention deficit, hyperactivity and Bipolar Disorder.  Rapid cycling pattern has a poor prognosis.

Manic behavior generally begins with a sudden and pleasant switch of mood to one of wellbeing, with happiness and positive energy.   With hypomania, a mild form of mania the individual is able to function quite well, and this mood may persist at this level for a long period of time without becoming more severe.  In other cases it intensifies into true mania.  This is the state I will discuss here. 

Out of control of emotions and behavior are prominent. Normally amiable people may become increasingly angry, impulsive, emotional or irritable Persistent euphoria that does not subside, but if their plans are interrupted their mood becomes irritable or extremely angry.  Some may become hostile. Paranoia can occur and they can assault others verbally or physically. Very rapid speech, incessant and usually in a loud voice. Answers to questions are at great length and they continue talking when others try to speak. The speech may be characterized by puns, or irrelevant quips.   Offering money or advice to strangers  Unable to sleep or sit still often going for days with 2 or3 hrs sleep and without feeling tired,  losing normal inhibitions and be sexually hyperactive or promiscuous.  Due to impaired judgment poor decision making.  Overspending or quitting jobs. With extreme mania some of the following may appear: thinking irrational. Speech uncontrollable and incoherent.  Out of touch with reality, unable to tell real tell from not real, delusions, hallucinations and Catatonia are possible.
 

Medication, mood stabilizing, medications are the treatment for individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.  New medicines are coming to the forefront and are being researched and used for patients with bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive Therapy usually is only used for those as ill as to need protection from hariming themselves.

Psychotherapy alone is not affective for long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy has proven effective in helping Bipolars to accept, understand and cope with the stresses of both the disorder and every day life.  Through psychotherapy individuals can learn to restore self-esteem, adapt to new emotions and work out ways to prevent relapses.

Individuals with severe mania may require hospitalization to prevent harm to themselves or to others.  Poor judgment can lead to personal danger.  People with severe mania have died as a result of physical exhaustion.

Recovery from a Manic Episode takes medications regularly and as prescribed by your doctor Get emotional support from a supportive person.   Talk to a therapist or counseling.  Focus on living one day at a time, reduce stress.

When their behavior becomes outrageous and they have run up thousands of dollar in debts and put the family on the verge of, or into bankruptcy, when they have been involved with public brawls and the police, or when their sexual indiscretions become too obvious to ignore,  relationships are strained. 

The anger displayed by the manic creates arguments and fights in the home.  The partner finds it nearly impossible to defend themselves against these attacks.  Relationships are poor, and even after the mania is gone, it is difficult on with a relationship. 

Mania is a disorder that one cannot manage on his own.  Professional mental health care from a psychiatrist is necessary.  If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of mania get they need treatment as quickly as possible. All you can do is to ensure they follow the long-term treatment program prescribed by a doctor.

Depression Types and Treatment

When you’re dealing with the symptoms of bipolar depression, it’s easy to feel like you’re consumed by the condition or feeling lost to the world around you. For patients with bipolar disorder, the depressive symptoms, also called bipolar depression, can be more disabling than mania. A major depressive episode consists of many of the symptoms some are: they occur nearly every day for at least two weeks. Depressed mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, crying.  Loss of interest or finding less pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable. Significant weight loss, when not dieting, weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much is prominent. Agitation can be present or a slowing down of thoughts and physical movements; fatigue or loss of energy.  You may experience feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. Often there is poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions and thinking about death or suicide.

 There are different types of depression Major Depression Disorder; Unipolar depression; Bipolar depressive disorder

Depression may be described as feeling sad, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way from time to time but for short periods. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration can interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.

The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. It may be due to a problem with your genes, or triggered by certain stressful events. Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if there is no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression. Alcohol or drug abuse, certain medical conditions such as underactive thyroid, cancer, or chronic pain can cause a person to become depressed. Certain medications such as steroids; sleeping problems; stressful life can lead to depression. The death or illness of someone close to you; divorce; childhood abuse or neglect; job loss; Social isolation common in the elderly

Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Certain questions can help your doctor make a diagnosis of depression and determine how severe it may be.

Medications that you take for another health problem can cause or worsen depression. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.  Changing your dose or switching to an alternative drug may prove helpful. Never stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor.

Therapy is counseling to talk about your feelings and thoughts, and help you learn how to deal with them. Types of therapy include: Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you how to change negative thoughts.  How to become more aware of your symptoms and how to spot things that makes your depression worse. You'll also problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can help you understand the issues that may be behind your thoughts and feelings. A support group of people who are having problems like yours can also help.

 Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for severe depression and it is generally safe, it may improve mood in those with severe depression or suicidal thoughts who do not get better with other treatments. It may also help treat depression in those who have psychotic symptoms.

Often \to ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.

 The prognosis for people with major depression is good with antidepressants for a few weeks. But many people need to take the medicine for months to fully feel better and prevent the depression from returning. For people who have repeated episodes of depression, quick and ongoing treatment may be needed to prevent more severe, long-term depression. Sometimes people will need to stay on medications for long periods of time. People who are depressed are more likely to use alcohol or illegal substances. Complications of depression also include: increased risk of physical health problems and suicide.

To defeat depression takes patience and some time before the depression lifts.  Having a good relationship with you doctor can ease the symptoms.

Taking care of yourself physically; getting exercise; eating a well balanced diet and proper sleep can all help you deal with the depression. Continuing to take your medication all can lead to relieving the most persistent depression.

   

Is There a Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity

 Is there a Connection between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity

People with Bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania, an exceptionally elevated, irritable, or energetic mood and depression. These episodes may be separate or depressed and manic symptoms may occur at the same time. The frequency of episodes varies. At least four depressive manic, hypomanic, or mixed episodes within a year of a rapidly changing mood which is known as rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

During the early stages of a manic episode, people can be very happy, productive and creative. They have less need for sleep and don’t feel tired. There is some evidence that many well known creative people were bipolar.

 Patients say that they get to the point where they can’t function and sometimes need to be hospitalized, especially if they don’t take their medication as prescribed.

In a manic episode, the person can feel like making lots of plans because the world seems full of opportunity. They may feel high, meet a lot of new friends, spend all their money, and even feel invincible. Medication can appear dull the creativity, and may be seen as a negative feeling at this point.

There something about the manic or in between episodes of bipolar disorder that can be leads to creative expression in some people.

Studies in both medical and psychology have shown some evidence for a link, but the  focus  is on well known figures or small groups of patients.

It is established that people with affective disorders tend to be represented in the creative artist community especially those with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder may carry certain rewards for creativity, especially in those who have milder symptoms.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder has been linked to gifted talents of mood disorders and it is likely that the condition has a genetic basis. 

Individuals with bipolar disorder often report that they are at their most creative and productive when having a manic episode.

 A study attempted to link the relationship between Virginia Woolf’s creativity and her mental illness, which was probably bipolar disorder 1941.

Is there a connection with creativity and mood disorders?

Researchers have proposed several reasons that could account for the link between mood disorders and creativity.

They believe that mania causes imaginative activity because the energy of manic depression drives the victims to look for outlets which often become creative expression. Also they have put forward the view that the continuous energy of the hippomanic state leads to the phenomenal and original output.

Researchers also point out that creativity and bipolar symptoms could be genetic. Studies are constantly increasing to investigate this link.   

Evidence shows many creative people as having mood disorders. Some of the most famous were: Abraham Lincoln who suffered from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Ernest Hemingway experienced depression before committing suicide. Sylvia Plath had an enduring battle with depression. She also committed suicide. Vincent Van Gogh was well known for his quick tempered character and depression. He was hospitalized in an asylum before he committed suicide. Ludwig Van Beethoven was recorded as being mentally ill with manic depression. John Keats was grappled with depression and mental illness. Winston Churchill was recorded as having manic depression and he was known for his speeches which were inspirational during the war.

What causes the creative differences in bipolar people has yet to be proven; however, evidence shows that there is a connection between bipolar disorder and creativity it is shown throughout history.

Psycholigical Disorders Intervention and Treatment

Psychological Disorders and Intervention and Treatment

 Mental illnesses are for most people embarrassing and shameful few people are likely to tell friends and family they are seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist.  It is painful to dig into the soul and use therapy like cognitive behavioral treatments to your life, even to relieve the psychological disorder. Counseling for psychological disorders can be very expensive and insurance providers do not always cover the cost. Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist is invaluable to your whole self not just your mind and emotions, or the psychological disorder. Physical health is connected to your mind and overall health, caring for your inner self can boost other parts.

Like a physical disease, diabetes and cancer, a psychological disorder can strike anyone at any time in their life, no matter of how wealthy, happy, or stable they are.

Some of the psychological disorders that are the most common are: depression, major depression, dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder with depression and bipolar depression.

Anxiety Disorders: panic disorder, post traumatic stress, social anxiety, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and certain phobias.

 Schizophrenia: is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder.  

Childhood Disorders: behavioral control problems, including ADHD, conduct disturbance, and oppositional behavior. Separation anxiety, a common problem in young children

Impulse Control Disorders: psychological problems involving loss of control are described in this section. Anger control problems are usually diagnosed as intermittent explosive disorder, domestic violence problems. pathological gambling and kleptomania.

Personality Disorders: general characteristics of all personality disorders, obsessive compulsive, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders.

Adjustment Disorders: The general characteristics of adjustment disorders, life stressors that lead to adjustment problems, such as marital conflict and job stress.

Family Problems: family conflicts often occur because one or more family members have a psychological. Family conflicts also arise because of communication problems, parenting issues, school problems and sibling conflicts.

Psychological disorders, also called mental disorders, are persistent behavior patterns that can seriously affect your day-to-day function and life.

The treatment of psychological disorders is firstly recognizing that a problem exists.  Regular medical care can be helpful because it allows a health care professional to provide early screening tests. Regular medical care also provides an opportunity for your health care professional to promptly evaluate symptoms and the risks for developing psychological disorders.

 Frequently treatment includes psychotherapy to work on behaviors, skill development, and thought process. 

Common treatments of psychological disorders start with medication to relive the disorder and help with the therapy. These may be: Antianxiety medications, Antidepressant medications to improve moods, Antipsychotic medications to treat disordered thought patterns and altered perceptions.

 The psychological approaches may include: Cognitive behavioral therapy to work on thought patterns and behavior, Family therapy to help develop support and understanding, Group therapy, Hospitalization for coexisting medical problems, serious complications, severe disorders, or substance abuse and Individual therapy, Moodstabilizing medications are used if needed. Psychodynamic therapy works on discovering and understanding past issues and their relationship to current thoughts and behaviors and Support groups.

Psychological methods of treatment can often find underlying issues that can occur with dual diagnosis and often can provide insight to behavior problems which can mask a more serious disorder. The muse of psycho logic treatments can aid recovery more easily and in a shorter time period

Discrimination and the Mentally Ill

Many people experience stigma for many reasons. Discrimination is found in many different prejudices, like sexual orientation, gender, culture or physical disability. Discrimination can lead to mental problems or substance abuse problems. And people who already discriminated for any reason may be even less able to find help for these problems or less able to find services that they need.
Research shows that over half of people living with mental disorders say that they were embarrassed about their mental health problems, and over half felt like they had experienced discrimination.


Just under half of the people thought that a mental disorder was just an excuse for poor behavior. Only about one in three people would continue to be friends with someone with an alcohol use problem. Only about one in four would continue to be friends with someone with a drug use problem



What can we do about it? Discrimination of mental health and substance use is a human rights problem. Human rights are rights that all people should have. The respect and dignity is a freedom that should not be taken away by other people’s ideas or by myths. It is a basic human right for all people with mental health and substance use problems. Everyone has the right to live without discrimination of any kind.


Health and well-being are things like human rights and access to opportunities. Discrimination denies human rights, and creates unequal access. Human rights and helping everyone to take part in our society, we are also fighting the discrimination and improving people’s wellbeing.


Focus on the differences in people poverty, the need for affordable housing; more education opportunities and the opportunity for meaningful work are social factors that can affect well-being. These factors may be an outcome of mental health and a cause of mental health issues. Inequalities tackled among the members of a community are helpful for the individuals and society. The systems that create differences by encouraging our governments have to have positive laws. Supporting people in our communities who are working to reduce differences is paramount to resolve mental health discrimination.


Everyone has the right to work. Work gives us purpose and meaning. Also the income, with other social factors, for example, if we have a high income, we can afford better housing and have right to more services. People are entitled to have access to training, education or other work programs. Direct personal contact and interacting with people with mental health or substance use problems is one of the best ways to improve public attitudes. Experiences can counteract the major myths. Education can help people to understand the problems the mentally ill face.


Mental illness and substance use problems are shared by humanity the fear, prejudice and discrimination are less when we talk about mental health problems as unfortunate biological problems and fateful circumstances which a person has no control of.


Help people be heard: We need to encourage anti-stigma programs and research. Supporting people and connecting them with others who share the same problems. When people relate to each other’s difficulties and want to see a change, to share their stories they can protest the injustice.


Media like TV, movies, newspapers, influence how we see others. The media should show people for who they really are capable and productive members of society. The voice of people with mental illnesses and substance use problems with backup of the media can be powerful. The discrimination against a group of people is a vital issue that needs to be addressed by all.

Bipolar Disorder and Violence

People with bipolar disorder have to deal with many signs and symptoms, including bipolar mania symptoms and hypomania episodes. These can be mixed with severe depressive episodes, occurring separately or simultaneously with manic episodes. Many bipolar patients can often coexist with bipolar disorder and all of the mania symptoms. Understanding the manic behaviors associated with hypomania and severe mania can help you learn to watch out for any early warning signs and signals that present themselves to you.

No matter if you have bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder, You must understand the mania symptoms and manic episodes. With bipolar I disorder, full-blown media episodes do occur in while only hypomanic episodes occur in patients with bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I disorder is generally much worse than any of the other types of bipolar that can have psychotic symptoms, severe depression episodes and full-blown mania, varying from different causes and triggers in everyday life, including lack of sleep and too much daily stress..

Euphoric feelings and extremely high optimism are very common in mania and hypomania. Many hypomanic states often start out quite productive in the beginning because of the high amount of energy you may be experiencing. Your creativity may start while you feel inspired . Sooner or later, things end up getting out of control and warning signs and symptoms of severe depression episodes are usually just waiting. Having melancholic lows and extreme highs are part of hypomania and manic episodes. So you may ask the question what is the difference between normal feelings of happiness and manic episodes Mania in the end will always end with a pile of debt, emotional or physical pain, the loss of a job or friendship, the loss of a close relationship and extreme humiliation to the bipolar patient.

Sometimes mania will bring extreme anger and aggression, leading to violence and morbid thoughts. You can easily become demanding and very impatient. Being argumentative and saying sarcastic remarks are very common in patients with full-blown mania. You may even be arrested and sent to jail for fighting or you may explode with your friends and family for the littlest thing. This can cause extreme mood swings and racing thoughts in the person, leading to extreme violence as part of the manic behaviors in each bipolar patient.

It will  seem that you have the ability to do any and everything during the state of hypomania or mania. You will feel like you have an exuberant answers for everyday life. You will find yourself highly sociable and friendly during different phases of manic episode, leaving people attracted to you.  Many individuals with an inflated self-esteem come up with the grandiose idea that God has chosen them as their special person for a special mission in life.

You have the ability to go for many days in a row with only 2 to 4 hours of sleep each night that, is very common during phases of hypomania. During mania, a patient with bipolar disorder symptoms may stay awake for three or four days at the time. You may work for 16 or 18 hours at a time, even without stopping for food. Period of insomnia are also common and related to the decreased need for sleep during manic episodes

The ability to concentrate on one task at a time becomes very difficult and almost impossible during phases of manic or hypomanic episodes. You may have trouble sitting still for longer than 10 minutes at a time, always having to constantly move in having an increased level of energy.

When you’re hypomanic or manic, you will have thoughts literally bombard your brain one after another, without any possible time to think about each in between. You may feel as though your brain is spinning and that you have no ability to stop it or control your thoughts. This may cause you to talk excessively and not have the ability to actually listen to what someone else is saying. It’s like your brain is constantly running only waiting for the other person to close their mouth.. Others can usually not even get a word in, which will become very frustrating for them.

Many times bipolar patients when trying to manage episodes of mania or are hypomania will engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding on the highway, engaging in risky sexual behaviors, go on spending sprees or saying something to your friends or family members you would normally not do. And impulsiveness also leads to making irrational decisions that are uncontrollable for the bipolar patient. You may without any thought, tell your boss off without  thinking about the consequences or make a lifestyle decision that affects everyone around.

It is very common for bipolar I patients that have psychotic symptoms or manic symptoms to engage in substance abuse. Drinking too much alcohol is one of the common symptoms of bipolar patients during severe depressive episodes and manic episodes. This is a warning sign that there is a problem requiring treatment from a psychiatrist. Alcohol abuse is a leading factor in many mood disorders and mental illnesses. Cocaine is also frequently used by bipolar patients.

In adults, bipolar disorder and rage can manifest with seemingly unprovoked occasions of aggressiveness and impulsivity - vocal and/or physical.
Throwing objects against walls or at other people or breaking furniture.

One of the worst feelings is the feeling of shame that many bipolar sufferers feel after being on the offensive end one of these fits of anger. If you suspect that you or someone close to you  may have bipolar disorder; The first step is to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. A regular doctor or psychologist are not trained like a psychiatrist to recognize the symptoms of bipolar disorder

It is important the people suffering from bipolar disorder get diagnosed early, get treatment, learn to recognize the beginning of anger attacks and learn to deal with them and to help prevent further bipolar rage episodes.

Many bipolar disorder people, if diagnosed correctly and given the proper psychiatric treatment can learn self-control, learn how to cope and live an almost normal life.

Facts About Mental Disorders

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Mental illnesses are medical conditions, like diabetes that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary stresses of daily life.

Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome with will power and are not related to a person's intelligence or character.

 

 Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome with will power and are not related to a person's intelligence or character   Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.. Mental illnesses are treatable. Recovery from a mental illness is possible. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by participating in a treatment plan. Medication treatment and psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal all help with the recovery process.

 Studies show that approximately 5 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in a given year

About 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders that cause impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. Researchers have evidence that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US are mental disorders.  Mental illnesses usually occur in individuals in often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are the ones that are usually affected the most.

Without treatment the mental illness can lead to unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives.

The treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective with a reduction of symptoms and have improved their quality of life with a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments. With appropriate medication most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying independence. A key concept is to develop expertise in developing strategies to manage the illness process. Early identification and treatment is important. Access to the treatment and recovery supports recovery is quicker and the course of illness is minimized. There can be life after a diagnosis of a mental illness with the proper treatment those affected can live an independent and rewarding life.

Dual Diagnosis and the Bipolar Patient

Many bipolar people have a dual diagnosis.  This means that they have either another mental illness or substance abuse problem in addition to the bipolar disorder. According to studies done 57 to 60 percent of people with bipolar disorder do have a substance abuse problem.  Many have secondary problem caused by their bipolar disorder or by other factors.  Treating dual diagnosis is more complicated than treating either of the disorders alone.  Certain medications commonly used to treat one condition may cause adverse affects in persons who also have the other condition or dual diagnosis and can interact in a negative way with meds prescribed for that other condition.  Sometimes you will need to try a few different drug combinations to find the most effective therapy for you. Dual diagnosis programs are used for people who have a mental disorder and an addiction.  This approach helps people recover with both mental health and f\treats the substance abuse at the same time and in one place.

The most common dual diagnosis among bipolar patients are panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive /compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and impulse-control disorders such as kleptomania and compulsive shopping. One of the most consistent thing about bipolar disorder is that is inconsistent.  It may look like other things/ the anxiety may be agitation from bipolar disorder if it is a mood stabilizer will show a reduction in the anxiety.  OCD may be possessiveness which can appear with agitated mania.  Treatment of the mania reduces the OCD.  True OCD is a fear of something that something bad will happen if they do not perform certain rituals like checking a lock on a door 5 times.

 Many bipolar people have a substance abuse problem or a higher chance of developing a problem with substance abuse.  Drug and alcohol experts believe that the bipolar symptoms caused the tendency to self medicate for the bipolar symptoms.  It is common for bipolar people to use alcohol and drugs.  The treatment is the same rehab to get rid of the addiction issues when they are having bipolar symptoms the have an addict mentality and rehab will help them deal with it.

Controlling Your Mental Health

Stress or mood swings can strike anyone from time to time upsetting their mental balance. Too much stress, anxiety, depression, or worry can become and affects mind and emotions so that they can be overwhelming. When moods and emotions get too unbalanced; when they begin to interfere with your career or personal relationshiiwit’s time to make a change. No matter how stressful your job, close relationships, or current life situation; you can learn to control your emotions and bring your life back into balance.

Do you ever feel or wish you had more control over your mental and emotional state? We all feel emotionally off-balance to be pummeled by stress and anxiety or by depression.

It may seem like a never-ending battle, but you can relieve the emotional turmoil. You can bring your life into balance by learning more about your emotions, how to recognize them, and what you can do to manage them.

Achieving emotional balance takes practice and patience, but feeling the benefits happens quickly. Our brains have the ability to change and evolve. No matter how long you have felt out of control of your emotions, no matter how long you have felt overwhelmed; you can take steps to getting off the emotional rollercoaster.

Some people know when they have an emotional problem, while others only suspect that something in their lives is not working as it should. Think about the following common symptoms. Do you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and stressed out much of the time? Do you feel misunderstood in your relationships? Do you have a hard time connecting with others?  Do you fight chronic depression, anxiety, worry, or negativity? Are you having trouble getting ahead in your career, despite your job talents? Have you received complaints about the way you interact with customers or co-workers? Do your people in your life complain about your mood swings, temper, irrational fears, or your emotional distance? Do you find yourself getting annoyed or upset at little things?  Do you have a hard time bouncing back from problems? Do you often say or do things, only to regret it later? Do you struggle with a negative cycle, repeating the same mistakes over and over again?

Changing mental and emotional habits takes more than just intellectual understanding; it takes a process that engages you physically and emotionally as well as intellectually.

To repair your nervous system's ability to remain in balance so that you can experience being both calm and focused throughout the day; you need to practice regularly, and can actually change your brain in ways that will make you feel more confident, resilient, and in control. The more you practice, the better you will get at managing your emotions and facing life’s challenges. In order to gain the abilities needed to overcome challenges, experience greater emotional health, build emotional intelligence, and bring your life into balance.  Stress relief and emotional awareness to be emotionally healthy.

The goal is how to regulate stress, then to learn how to recognize, monitor, and deal with your emotions. The strategy is to engage your senses in ways to having lasting change. If you want something to change for the better in your life; the more you want the change, the better your chance of getting what you want.  Your brain is continually evolving and may continue to change for the better for years to come. Learning the reasons for your emotional turmoil takes months or even years in order to control and understand why you are feeling the emotions.  Reducing stress can dramatically change your life and become a different person.  Gaining the emotional balance in your life comes from constant monitoring and controlling the outcome of the drastic actions and feelings. Building from the knowledge takes honesty and work but you can achieve a balance in your life.

Prognosis of Psychotic Disorders

M

How Common Are Psychotic Disorders?

About 1% of the population of the world suffers from psychotic disorders. These disorders most often first appear when a person is in the late teens 20s or 30s. Men and women are affected equally.

Doctors perform a complete medical history and physical exam to find out the cause of the symptoms. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose psychotic disorders except those that are associated with a physical illness; the doctor may use diverse tests, such as blood work and X-rays, to rule out a physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

If there is no physical reason for the symptoms, a psychiatrist or psychologist, who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses must be consulted. Psychiatrists interview a person to evaluate a person for a psychotic disorder.

Most psychotic disorders are treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy. The main medications used to treat psychotic disorders are called antipsychotics. These medicines are not a cure for the illnesses, but are very effective in managing the most disturbing symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as delusions, hallucinations and thinking problems. Antipsychotics include older medications such as Haldol, Thorazine, and Mellaril and newer medications (often called atypicals) such as; Zyprex, Risperdal, Seroquel, Clozaril, Abilify, and Geodon. The newer medications --sometimes referred to as atypical antipsychotics these are the drug of choice   because they have fewer side effects.

 Various types of psychotherapy, including individual, group and family therapy, may be used to help assist the person. Most patients with psychotic disorders are treated as outpatients.  Severe symptoms, those in danger of hurting themselves or others, or those unable to care for themselves because of their illness may require hospitalization to stabilize their condition.

Each person being treated for a psychotic disorder responds to medications and therapy differently. Some show improvement quickly. For others, it may take weeks or months to become stabilized and for the symptom to be relieved.

Some people may need to continue treatment for an extended period of time, and those who have suffered several severe episodes, may need to take medication indefinitely. In these cases, the medication usually is given in as low a dose as possible to control side effects.

The prognosis varies depending on the type of psychotic disorder and the individual. These disorders are treatable and most people have a good recovery with treatment and follow-up treatment. Some people need medication for life in order to control the psychotic symptoms depending on the disorder.

There is no known way to prevent psychotic disorders, but the symptoms can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Seeking help as soon as symptoms appear can help decrease the disruption to the person's life, family and friendships. Avoiding drugs and alcohol can prevent psychotic disorders caused by these substances

Homlessness and the Mentally Ill

Why are so many severely mentally still homeless. Community mental health centers are inadequate, underfunded, and are often the victims budget-cutting.

Mentally ill homeless people have special problems for health care workers. They may not be as cooperative and motivated; because of their limited or nonexistence of resources, they may have difficulty getting transportation to treatment centers; they frequently forget to show up for appointments or take medications.  Among people with severe mental disorders, those at greatest risk of homelessness are both the most severely ill and the most difficult to help. Many of the homeless mentally ill lack the insight, and do not realize they are sick and they are in need of regular treatment. Others have given up, believing that the system cannot or will not help them. 

Most homeless people when asked what their greatest needs were, they listed affordable housing, safety, education, transportation, medical and dental treatment, and job placement. Mental health and substance abuse services were regarded as unimportant.

Solving the problem of the mentally ill homeless cannot be done without resolving the problem of homelessness totally. State institutions for the mentally ill are no longer available by law to help them.  The mass closure of state hospitals has caused more homelessness. Food and shelter the basic needs of life versus mental health needs, the homeless and those trying to care for them choose the basic needs.

Many cities in taking action against homeless crisis have criminalized homelessness, which shifts the problem to the over-filled jails. Religious institutions provide shelter and food, and basic needs without addressing the reason why the person is homeless.

A national effort is needed to eliminate homelessness; the problem is getting worse, particularly in these economic times. The mentally ill homeless have no place to go, no way to provide for themselves and have little hope in the present situation.

Not all people who are unemployed are looking for jobs and some homeless people, who do not want to work, think that getting money without working is the best way of living makes up only about 25% of homeless people 50% to 60% has a job; approximately 50% get some money which,  is not enough for even basic needs.

Alcoholism is also a major cause of homelessness; 50% of all homeless is an adult who has a drug or alcohol problem, but it is not the only cause of homelessness. Also alcoholism contributes to unemployment.  This means that, regardless of sex, to get a job is more difficult for alcoholic homeless people than nonalcoholic homeless people.

About 1/3 of the single adult homeless population suffers from some kind of severe and persistent mental illness. At least a half of mentally ill homeless people are dually diagnosed with an alcohol or drug problem. According to studies done only 5-7% of homeless persons with mental illness need to be institutionalized, so mental illness is not the major cause of homelessness.

The causes of homelessness is for compound reasons because most of homeless people get some money whether they are employed or not, and some people are not willing to work because of the government assistance payment. In terms of alcoholism and drug abuse, only those who are addicted have a high risk of becoming homeless. Only 5% to 7% of homeless people with mental illness need to be institutionalized. It can be said that homeless people escape from working.

There is no single reason for homelessness, but the severely mentally ill are unprotected by the agencies that put a large majority of the in the situation. With regular treatment this can be avoided and the mentally ill need not suffer on the streets or in shelters.  Without adequate housing and only short term hospitalization the mentally ill will continue to make up a large part of the homeless population.  The transition from hospital care to clinics and available treatment needs to be addressed to give the severely mentally ill a chance at life free from symptoms.  These people deserve a life that is rewarding and gratifying when given the chance to be stabilized on medications the country would see fewer homeless mentally ill.

The Whys of the Homeless Mentally Ill

Why are so many severely mentally still homeless. Community mental health centers are inadequate, underfunded, and are often the victims budget-cutting.

Mentally ill homeless people have special problems for health care workers. They may not be as cooperative and motivated; because of their limited or nonexistence of resources, they may have difficulty getting transportation to treatment centers; they frequently forget to show up for appointments or take medications.  Among people with severe mental disorders, those at greatest risk of homelessness are both the most severely ill and the most difficult to help. Many of the homeless mentally ill lack the insight, and do not realize they are sick and they are in need of regular treatment. Others have given up, believing that the system cannot or will not help them. 

Most homeless people when asked what their greatest needs were, they listed affordable housing, safety, education, transportation, medical and dental treatment, and job placement. Mental health and substance abuse services were regarded as unimportant.

Solving the problem of the mentally ill homeless cannot be done without resolving the problem of homelessness totally. State institutions for the mentally ill are no longer available by law to help them.  The mass closure of state hospitals has caused more homelessness. Food and shelter the basic needs of life versus mental health needs, the homeless and those trying to care for them choose the basic needs.

Many cities in taking action against homeless crisis have criminalized homelessness, which shifts the problem to the over-filled jails. Religious institutions provide shelter and food, and basic needs without addressing the reason why the person is homeless.

A national effort is needed to eliminate homelessness; the problem is get ting worse, particularly in these economic times. The mentally ill homeless have no place to go, no way to provide for themselves and have little hope in the present situation.

The Tragedy of the Homeless Mentally Ill in America

The number of homeless people shifted to the streets and woods in our towns and cities is one of the most disgraceful, horrors of America.

An estimated 750,000 people who are homeless, almost 50% of them have a serious mental illness. These unfortunate mentally ill people go untreated, and unable to work, living on the streets making a meager dollar panhandling, collecting cans and eating out of garbage cans.

The number of homeless Americans, since homelessness is often a transient state and some are in shelters.  An estimation from studies show approximately 3 million people, some of them children, are likely to experience  homelessness in a year; approximately 1% of American citizens experiencing homelessness each year.

Homeless people suffer from high rates of mental health problems made worse by living on the streets and in shelters. 

A great number of homeless persons suffer from mental disorders; which include Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar disorder, Depression, and Schizophrenia. Schizoaffective disorders and severe personality disorders are other illnesses that can be included. There are more people with untreated severe psychiatric illnesses living on America’s streets than are receiving care in hospitals. Substance abuse is also prevalent among the homeless populations.

 Deinstitulization from mental institutions to outpatient care failed; the transition of the mentally ill to outpatient care never materialized in the 1960′s and 1970′s the desire to deinstitutionalize many of those being held in state and other mental institutions began. The plan was to create community health centers where the mentally ill could receive outpatient treatment, along with residential facilities for those unable to make it on their own.

Boarding homes filled with discharged psychiatric patients from the nearby hospitals, the intended policy of deinstitutionalization exchanged one institute for another.  Single-room occupancy hotels and other low cost housing were declining in urban areas as redevelopment came into being.

By the 1980s the consequences of deinstitutionalization were becoming obvious. More and more severely ill people were living on the streets and in public shelters.

Living on the streets and in shelters is can be a trigger for a mental illness. The heart of the plight of the mentally ill homeless are those whose mental state makes them unable to hold jobs; and for the ones that the residential facilities and community health centers has been unsuccessful for.

Without an a national effort to eliminate homelessness, the problem will only get worse, particularly in these  economic times. The helpless and hopeless mentally ill homeless have no place to go, no way to provide for themselves and have little hope in the present situation.