People with bipolar disorder, or manic depression, have severe mood swings.
These are not the usual ups and downs, happiness or the blues, that all of us
experience. These mood swings are so profound that they affect a person's
ability to function. The episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. There
are four types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar 1 disorder. People
have one or more episodes of mania or depression. The mania may cause some
people to lose touch with reality and experience psychotic thinking and
behavior.
Bipolar 2 disorder. People
have one or more episodes of depression and at least one episode of
hypomania, a less intense form of mania.
Rapid-cycling bipolar
disorder. People experience four or more episodes within a 12 month
period.
Mixed-bipolar state. People
experience the symptoms of depression and mania together.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Kaye Jamison, a psychologist and writer who has bipolar disorder says it is
"a biological disorder than is experienced and expressed
psychologically." It is not a flaw in one's character, nor is it the
result of poor parenting. It is a brain disorder. It appears to be the result
of structural and chemical changes in the brain. These changes are possibly
caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and genetic factors. Much
more research is needed
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
It is very important to get treatment because without treatment bipolar
disorder gets worse. Without treatment, bipolar disorder can be lethal--25% of
the untreated commit suicide. Usually a combination of medication and
psychosocial therapy works best. Often more than one medication is needed and
patients may take a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant, and an anti anxiety
agent. The psychotherapy helps the patient to manage her illness and to spot
and cope with the stressors which can trigger an event. Treatment is lifetime
because this is a chronic illness for which there is, at present, no cure. But
with treatment symptoms can be managed or made less severe.