Bipolar Disorder, or manic
depression, is a serious mental illness that causes swings in a person’s mood,
energy and ability to function. Approximately 5 million Americans are diagnosed
as having bipolar disorder. Some of the most famous celebrities in our society
have confessed to having bipolar disorder.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder
are more severe than the usual ups and downs that people experience. People with
bipolar disorder, have a basic overall feeling, or mood, which alternates between
episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to weeks to months.
Some of the symptoms exhibited
during manic episodes are: an extremely elated, happy mood or an irritable,
angry mood; increased physical and mental activity and energy; racing thoughts;
increased talking, more rapid speech than normal; ambitious, often grandiose
plans ;risk taking; impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion,
and alcohol abuse; decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue
Some of the symptoms exhibited
during depressive episodes are: loss of energy; prolonged sadness; decreased
activity and energy; restlessness and irritability; inability to concentrate or
make decisions; increased feelings of worry and anxiety; loss of interest or participation in, and less
enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed; feelings of guilt and hopelessness;
thoughts of suicide; change in appetite ( eating more or eating less); change in
sleep habits (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
Some famous people who have
either disclosed to having bipolar disorder or have displayed symptoms of
bipolar disorder but remain undiagnosed.
Actor Richard Dreyfuss.
Dreyfuss admits that he has a bipolar disorder; he publically acknowledged he
used to use cocaine to cope with his bipolar symptoms and went to rehab to
battle his cocaine addiction.
Britney Spears was
hospitalized for a mental illness it is not confirmed that she has bipolar
disorder, but many people believe her erratic behavior showed that she may have
been suffering from an undiagnosed dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a
substance abuse problem. Actor Mel Gibson also talked about his
battle with bipolar disorder. Heavy Metal singer Ozzy Osbourne was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been treated for alcoholism and drug
abuse. Singer Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses has been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder. Actress Linda Hamilton, states that she has struggled
with bipolar disorder as a young adult and used drugs and alcohol to self medicate
her symptoms.
