It is believed that bipolar disorder affects more than two million adult Americans today. Even with these outstanding statistics, and in these modern times, there still seems to be a stigma attached to people living with this potentially debilitating disorder. With that stigma comes a shame that can prevent sufferers from seeking the treatment and therapy they desperately need. What can make a tremendous difference for these people is for the rest of us to educate ourselves about bipolar and what we can do to help.
Who does it affect: The first signs of the disorder begin in late adolescence, often appearing as depression during teen years but it can also start in early childhood or even later in life. Bipolar does not discriminate in terms of age, race, ethnic background or social class. Men and women both develop this disorder equally, however, men seem to begin with manic episodes whereas women more with depression. It seems to run in families and it is believed to have a genetic link. When one parent has bipolar disorder, each child runs a 15 – 30% risk of developing the disorder and when both parents have the disorder, the risk jumps to 50-75%.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3.4 million children suffer with depression in the United States alone and up to one third of these children may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder. Symptoms are not always easy to detect in children and adolescents because they are often mistaken for age-appropriate emotions and behaviors. If there is a concern moods or behaviors are extreme, parents need to address these concerns to a doctor as soon as possible to get a referral to an appropriate professional. Early intervention is crucial.
What are the different types of Bipolar: The category of bipolar a person is diagnosed with depends on the severity of the individual’s ‘cycles’ of highs and lows. Symptoms are usually huge swings in mood that range from extreme energy to deep despair. The severity of these mood swings, and the degree they disrupt normal life activities, are what distinguish bipolar episodes from ordinary mood swings. The main mania and depression symptoms that most sufferers report include:
Mania Symptoms
• Increased physical and mental activity and energy
• Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism, and self-confidence
• Excessive irritability, aggressive behaviour
• Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
• Racing speech, thoughts, and flight of ideas
• Increased sexual drive
• Reckless behaviour
Depression Symptoms
• Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
• Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
• Pessimism, loss of energy, persistent lethargy
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
• Recurring thoughts of death and suicide
According to MayoClinic.com, the following are the main categories of bipolar as well as a description of symptoms within each category (The severity and/or combination of the above symptoms are what determine the level of bipolar the sufferer is categorized with):
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes-symptoms of both a mania and a depression occurring nearly everyday for at least one week-and one or more major depressive episodes. Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness, marked by extreme manic episodes.
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by one or more depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe, and must be clearly different from a person's non-depressed mood.
Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by chronic fluctuating moods with periods of hypomania and depression. The periods of both depressive and hypomanic symptoms are shorter, less severe, and do not occur with regularity as experienced with bipolar I or II. However, these mood swings can impair social interactions and work. Many people with cyclothymia develop a more severe form of bipolar illness.
How is bipolar disorder treated: Bipolar can be a difficult disorder to treat so researching a psychiatrist or other therapist and physician who has extended experience treating patients with the condition. Several therapies exist for bipolar disorder and promising new treatments are currently under investigation. Treatments may include medication, diet, homeopathic and natural treatments, talk therapy, support groups or a combination of all.
Diagnosis and treatment are critical for a person’s functioning, as well as for those around him. A sufferer who continues to ignore symptoms or refuses treatment will worsen over time. Bipolar is a serious condition that requires medical and therapeutic intervention but treatment can help an individual lead a relatively normal life.
Mental illness does not have to be taboo. By raising awareness for conditions like bipolar disorder, we help others understand sufferers better. Perhaps when we all have this knowledge, the taboo and stigma will go away and sufferers will no longer feel they must hide or ignore their conditions.
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