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.