Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder. It causes extreme and unusual changes in moods. People with bipolar disorder can be very energetic with a high level of activity for a period of time, followed by periods of sadness and deep depression. These wild mood swings are considered symptoms of mania and depression.
Mixed State
Some people with bipolar disorder may have a mixed state of the disorder, in which the manic and depressive moods occur during the same period. Other bipolar patients have long periods of unstable behavior instead of shorter episodes of mania and depression.
Life Changes
Unlike the normal ups and downs some people may experience once in awhile, bipolar disorder may occur most of the day almost everyday for at least a week or more, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These symptoms can interfere with the daily activities, job and family life of patients because their extreme mood swings prevent them from doing routine tasks.
Mania
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, people may exhibit signs of being overly joyous with intense excitement. There may be an increase in physical and mental activity. Racing thoughts or jumping from one idea to another are often part of their rapid talking. They can become unpleasantly moody, irritable and angry. Their thinking may cause them to become very ambitious, resulting in risky behavior. Spending sprees, alcohol abuse and sexual indiscretion may occur. They may become fatigued because of decreased sleep.
Depression
Symptoms of the depressive moods of bipolar disorder include a loss of energy with decreased activity. There may be prolonged sadness along with feelings of worry, anxiety, guilt and hopelessness. There may even be thoughts of suicide. People may become increasingly restless and irritable. They may not be able to concentrate or make decisions. People in the depressive state may start losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns may occur.
Causes
Bipolar disorder may be caused by several factors, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. There may be genetic factors that involve a family history of the disorder. A stressful environment or unhappy life experiences may be among the causes. The biological and background aspects may interact with one another to result in chemical imbalances affecting the brain.
Treatment
Although bipolar disorder cannot be cured, it can be managed once it is diagnosed. Treatment usually includes medication to stabilize the moods and psychotherapy. Patients learn to understand the illness and how to recognize signs or stresses that may trigger episodes. Some patients may routinely go through changes in medication and therapies during their lifetime.
