Basics
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mental illness that can be disruptive to everyday activities. Symptoms of the disease include rapid mood swings, shifts in energy levels and severe highs and lows. The scale swings and people with the disorder can display severe signs of depression for a period of time, and then appear to be balanced and normal. The other side of the pendulum brings on extreme periods of mania when the patient may exhibit high levels of energy and are able to function at a higher than normal productivity level. Episodes may be accompanied by anxiety, hallucinations and thoughts of suicide. More than half of all bipolar disorders begin before patients turn 25. No definite causes have been determined for manic depression. Scientists studying the disease believe that a predisposition to the disorder occurs in most patients and becomes symptomatic based on a number of factors.
Risks
Because bipolar disorder runs in families, researchers believe that there may be a genetic marker associated with the condition. Children of parents with bipolar are four to six times more likely to get the disease than those with no family history. Studies of identical twins, however, did not produce conclusive results that genetics were responsible for the onset of the disorder. More likely, genes may provide the basis for the disorder and environmental factors trigger the onset. A childhood filled with abuse, neglect and stress, coupled with poor coping mechanisms often precedes the disorder in early adulthood. No definitive research has provided conclusive results. Brain x-rays can only help physicians rule out other problems such as a tumor or stroke. Bipolar is usually diagnosed from a history of the patient's behavior. Doctors look for signs of missing work and other important engagements, drug abuse and other symptoms of mental illness like panic disorders or obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Treatment
While there is no cure for bipolar because the core cause has not been identified, various drugs have proven helpful in controlling the symptoms of the disorder. Any treatment must be maintained over a lifetime and should include both medication and therapy. Co-occurring illnesses such as drug addiction also must be identified and treated for any stability to occur in the patient. Mood stabilizers are the most common drugs prescribed for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Common drugs used include lithium, Depakote and Lamictal. Heavy drugs, also used as anticonvulsants, must be closely monitored because they have their own side effects. Patients must be watched for signs of depression or suicidal thoughts as well as hyperthyroidism. Sometimes, antidepressants are prescribed in addition to the mood stabilizing treatments.
