What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

In the manic phase, people experience irritable moods, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, increased energy, racing thoughts, feelings of invulnerability, poor judgment, heightened sex drive, and denial that anything is wrong. Their moods are often inappropriate given the situation and the person’s personality.

When in the depression phase, they experience feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or melancholy; fatigue; loss of appetite for food or sex; sleep disturbances, thoughts of death or suicide; and suicide attempts.

Mania and depression may vary in both duration and degree of intensity, and the time between them can vary greatly. Some people experience rapid cycles while others experience stability for months or even years between significant mood swings.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery

Although scientific evidence indicates bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, no lab test exists to diagnose the disorder. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by the person who has it, relatives, friends, or even physicians. The first step of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation to rule out any other mental or physical disorders. Anyone who has this mental illness should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.

Recovery is possible for people with bipolar disorder. Eighty to ninety percent of can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, returning them to happy, functioning lives. Even with treatment, however, the disorder can sometimes be difficult to regulate. It’s not unusual for it to take time (months to years) to find the correct medication and to learn effective ways to cope with the illness. Without treatment, people who have bipolar disorder often go through devastating life events such as marital breakups, job loss, substance abuse, and suicide.

Self-help groups can offer emotional support and assistance in recognizing signs of relapse to avert a full-blown episode of bipolar disorder.

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers. All medications can have side effects and must be monitored carefully by a psychiatrist or other physician. Blood levels of the drug need to be measured and kidney, liver and thyroid functions also should be monitored.

Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Learning how to reduce stress can be crucial, because stress can largely impact Bipolar Disorder. Here are some tips for reducing stress:

• Take breaks and set aside time to relax
• Seek jobs that are not stressful to you
• Avoid excessive contact with people with whom you have conflicts
• Maintain regular working, eating and sleeping habits
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and illegal substances

The stresses of Bipolar Disorder can cause serious disruptions to family life, but professional care may help both family members and persons with bipolar disorder alike. Family members can learn coping strategies to help themselves as well as ways to become active in the person’s treatment.

People who cope successfully with Bipolar Disorder have learned it’s their responsibility to manage their illness. This means taking active steps to learn how to deal with the illness. They seek and use the help of mental health professionals, families and friends. And most of all, they rely on themselves to find the combination of medication, psychotherapy, social contacts and personal habits that works best for them.

Sources: SAMHSA and Wisconsin United for Mental Health