Bipolar
disorder, formerly called manic depression, causes extreme mood swings that
include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become
depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most
activities. When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric
and full of energy. Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year or as often
as several times a week.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a depressive mood episode may
include:
- feelings of emptiness or
worthlessness
- loss of interest in
once-pleasurable activities including sex
- behavioral changes
- fatigue or low energy
- problems with concentration,
decision-making, or forgetfulness
- restlessness or irritability
- changes in eating or sleeping
habits
- suicidal ideation or a suicide
attempt
On the other extreme side of the spectrum are manic
episodes. Symptoms of mania may include:
- long periods of intense joy,
excitement, or euphoria
- extreme irritability, agitation, or
a feeling of being "wired" (jumpiness)
- being easily distracted or restless
- having racing thoughts
- speaking very quickly (often so
fast others are unable to keep up)
- taking on more new projects than
one can handle (excessively goal-directed)
- having little need for sleep
- unrealistic beliefs about one's
abilities
- participating in impulsive or
high-risk behaviors such as gambling, spending sprees, unsafe sex, or
making unwise investments
Treatment
Bipolar disorder
cannot be cured. It is considered a chronic illness like diabetes and must be
carefully managed and treated throughout the patient's life. Treatment usually
includes both medication and psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral
therapy. Medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorders include:
- mood stabilizers such as lithium
(Eskalith or Lithobid)
- atypical antipsychotic medications
such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone
(Risperdal)
- anti-anxiety medications such as
benzodiazepine
- anti-seizure medications (also
known as anticonvulsants) such as divalproex sodium (Depakote),
lamotrigine (Lamictal), and valproic acid (Depakene)
Bipolar patients
will sometimes be prescribed antidepressants to treat symptoms of their
depression, however, they often must take a mood stabilizer, as an
antidepressant alone may increase a person's chances of becoming manic or
hypomanic (or of developing symptoms of rapid cycling).
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