Bipolar disorder—or manic-depressive illness—is a disorder that affects the brain and causes extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. These mood shifts can vary from severe lows (depression) to extreme excitement or highs (mania). These mood changes are not necessarily the result of events in a person’s life and can make it very difficult to function. Bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence and early adulthood; however, it can occur in both younger children and older adults. There are different types of bipolar disorder, depending on the patterns and severity of symptoms.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately one percent of the population and there are many people living with the illness that have not been properly diagnosed or treated. It can affect anyone of any age, race, or gender. Diagnosing bipolar disorder is often difficult since symptoms appear to be separate issues and not part of one problem. Males are more likely to begin with manic episodes, while females are more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder differ depending on the type of episode. A mania episode usually lasts for about a week and can include symptoms such as increased energy or restlessness, inability to concentrate, extreme irritability, sleeplessness, racing thoughts, spending sprees, increased sexual behavior, abuse of drugs such as alcohol or sleeping medications, psychoses, hallucinations, and the denial that there is anything wrong.
A depression episode tends to last up to two weeks and can include symptoms such as extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, worthlessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, social withdrawal, difficulty remembering and making decisions, lack of energy, fatigue, unexplained aches and pains, weight fluctuations, change in appetite, and even reoccurring thoughts of death and suicide.
At times individuals may experience only partial symptoms—called hypomania—which can become a full-fledged mania or switch into a depression. People can also experience symptoms of both mania and depression together called a mixed state.
What bipolar disorder is not
Bipolar disorder is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a serious but treatable illness.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Although there have been many studies, the cause of bipolar disorder continues to remain unclear. Most scientists agree that there is not one single cause, but rather many different factors that produce this illness.
Biological causes are believed to be one factor in developing bipolar disorder. Closely related family members of someone who has bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the illness than those who do not have a relative with the illness. For example, children with one affected parent are 25 percent more likely than other children to develop this illness. Although genetics are believed to be a factor, they are not the only factor. Studies with identical twins show that even if one twin has the illness, the other will not necessarily have it, but will be more likely to develop it than other siblings.
Psychological events can also be a factor in developing bipolar disorder. Those who experience extremely stressful events in their lives such as the death of a relative or friend, job loss, relationship break-up, etc. can develop bipolar disorder; however, there is no one clear cause. People respond differently to stressful events. Severe physical trauma can also play a role in the onset of bipolar disorder.
Certain biochemical changes accompany mood swings, but it is still not clear whether these changes simply accompany them or cause them. With bipolar disorder, there is a defect in the way the brain handles neurotransmitters. A shortage of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine cause a depression, while an excess of these chemicals can result in a manic episode.
Can bipolar disorder be treated?
Medications are often prescribed by doctors and are taken over a long period of time to help control the condition.
What happens to people with bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar can still live healthy lives if they work closely with their doctors to control their illness and monitor the effectiveness of their treatments. Bipolar disorder is a life-long illness and will need to be properly managed throughout a person’s life.