Transcript 35639.1256839582.10-51-21

By: DJ Kyles
 Bipolar
disorder (also known as manic depression) causes
serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior–
from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of
depression on the other.
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The person will have a tendency to be overly optimistic and
confident. This is the "nothing-can-stop-me-now" attitude.
There is so much hyperactive energy and because of this, the
person becomes restless. Sometimes the patient may seem to look
very passionate about certain tasks.
The person may not find the need to sleep. At this high state, the
body may also prevent the patient from feeling tired.
There is the tendency of the person to feel very important - the
delusion of grandeur.
The bipolar patient can be unreasonably annoying and aggressive to
other people.
The person tends to make impulsive judgments without
rationalization.
The patient becomes overly talkative as if he or she is racing
against his or her thoughts.
 The
patient becomes very pessimistic.
 When depression sets in, all the energy is lost.
 The bipolar patient may experience erratic sleep
schedules and abnormal appetite.
 The confidence is lost and excessively low self-esteem
takes over.
 The patient will tend to self-pity and induce guilt on
self.
 The patient tends to develop suicidal tendencies.
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Bipolar disorder results in 9.2 years reduction in expected life span, and
as many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder completes suicide.
(National Institute of Mental Health)
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or
about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. (National
Institute of Mental Health)
The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years (National
Institute of Mental Health), although the illness can start in early
childhood or as late as the 40's and 50's.
An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is
found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes.
More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one
close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating
that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental
Health)
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Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a
chronic, relapsing illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when
you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to
prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free.
There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually
not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most
effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of
medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
It’s best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a
complex condition. Diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often
difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored. A
psychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder treatment can help you
navigate these twists and turns.
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http://www.mental-healthmatters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1048:thirtee
n-symptoms-of-bipolar-disorder&catid=25:bipolar&Itemid=2060
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_statistics_
bipolar
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.
htm#at