About Bipolar Disease

Overview

Bipolar disease is also known as bipolar disorder or manic depression. According to the National institute of Mental Health, it causes "unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks." Symptoms of bipolar disease are sometimes severe but can be treated. People can live normal lives with bipolar disease.

Identification

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from bipolar disease. It's usually a chronic condition that can start as early as adolescence. People with bipolar disease suffer bouts of mania and depression that can be controlled with medication and other therapies.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disease vary, depending on whether the person is suffering a bout of mania or depression. Mania is the heightened phase of bipolar disorder.

According to NAMI, symptoms of mania may include racing thoughts, faster-than-normal speech, increased energy, impulsive activities such as alcohol use, moods that are either elated or irritable, and missing sleep without being tired. According to NAMI, symptoms of depression include prolonged sadness, lack of energy and ambition, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and changes in sleep patterns.

Some people experience mania and depression at the same time.This is known as a mixed state.

Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling occurs when a person has frequent manic or depressive episodes. This is more common in women.

Causes

No exact cause of bipolar disease has been identified. NAMI says bipolar disorder often runs in families, and stress may aggravate the disorder. Studies have shown a possible genetic component. The manic or depressive states can be brought about by improper medication, sleep deprivation and hypothyroidism .

Treatment

Treatment for bipolar disease includes medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort, and education.

According to NAMI, the following medications are used to treat bipolar disease: lithium (Eskalith or Lithobid), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol) and a combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine (Symbyax).

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says ECT therapy is used for patients who don't respond well to medication and psychotherapy. ECT was known as shock therapy in the past.

Considerations

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, seek help. A proper diagnosis is needed so the right medications can be prescribed. Medications often need to be adjusted to treat bipolar disease.

Support groups exist for patients as well as their families and friends.