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What
is Bipolar Disorder?
APA Let's Talk About... Series
Bipolar
disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized
by moods that alternate between mania (feeling indestructible,
hyperactive and overly self-confident) and depression (feeling
intensely sad and hopeless). The periods of mania and depression
vary in length and are unpredictable. Periods of mania usually
follow longer periods of depression.
In
between periods of mania and depression there can be long
stretches during which the person with bipolar disorder feels
normal. However, some people with bipolar disorder experience
"rapid cycling," which means they alternate between
periods of mania and depression at least four times a year.
WHAT
ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?
A person must have experienced at least one manic episode
to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Even if depression
has not yet occurred or has not been diagnosed, one episode
of mania is enough to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
of mania include:
- Extreme
irritability
- Intense
feelings of euphoria
- Increased
energy, activity and restlessness
- Decreased
need for sleep or insomnia
- Racing
thoughts
- Rapid
talking
- Increased
sexual drive
- Drug
or alcohol abuse
The
depression that alternates with mania also has recognizable
symptoms. They include:
- Ongoing
sad, anxious or empty feelings
- A
loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, including
sex
- Appetite
and weight changes (either loss or gain)
- Sleep
problems (insomnia, early morning wakening or oversleeping)
- Irritability
- A
loss of energy and a sense of fatigue, or being "slowed
down"
- Feelings
of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Feelings
of hopelessness, pessimism
- Difficulty
in concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Thoughts
of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Ongoing
body aches and pains or problems with digestion that are
not caused by another medical condition.
HOW
IS BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATED?
Bipolar disorder is a persistent illness. Without treatment,
people with bipolar disorder face long periods of serious
life disruption and distress. The disorder can be treated,
however, with both medication and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a series of private talks with a psychiatrist
where a person discusses the feelings, thoughts and behavior
that cause difficulty. A psychiatrist also can recognize other
mental and medical problems. The goal of psychotherapy is
to help people understand and master their problems so they
can function better. During psychotherapy, a psychiatrist
can help people with bipolar disorder (and their families)
identify early warning signs of bipolar episodes. A psychiatrist
also can help people with the disorder manage emotional stress,
which helps people stay well and may prevent a bipolar episode.
Certain medications, especially lithium, help control
mania and may prevent future manic and depressive episodes.
Some anticonvulsant medications also are effective in treating
bipolar disorder. Antidepressants can be combined with lithium
or anticonvulsants to help treat the depressive phase of the
illness.
FIND MORE INFORMATION …
©
Copyright 2001 Medem™, Inc. and the American Psychiatric
Association
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