Total Pageviews

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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.

No comments: