Social Psychiatry Blog

Recognizing Bipolar Manic Depressive Disorder

In America, 5.7 million grown individuals have a bipolar manic depressive disorder. Additionally, 3.4 million kids in the U.S. and adolescents with depression have a greater likelihood of having bipolar manic disorder or bipolar depression symptoms. The NIMH additionally says that the disorder may take up to 9.2 years away from your life resulting in self destructive or suicidal behaviors. Thus, these issues are some of the leading causes of disability. Bipolar manic depressive disorder is defined as a psychiatric sickness causing instant and strange alterations in activity, energy levels, and mood, affecting the capability of a person for carrying out their daily jobs. Symptoms of manic depression go from feeling really sad, desperate, and helpless, to an instant feeling of euphoric joy, being too active and nearly on top of the globe, which might cut relationships, hurt school and job performance, or may even result in suicide.

Meaning of Bipolar Manic Depression

High levels of energy, inability to sleep; having big plans for activities, being restless, uneasy and talkative is included in bipolar manic disorder symptoms. Low energy phases with negative emotions such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, loss of appetite, anxiety and guilt is included in bipolar depression symptoms. Every day a patient may experience several of these symptoms. During late teen or early adult years, bipolar symptoms usually occur. At around 25 years of age most patients started experiencing symptoms. Women are three times more prone to experiencing bipolar episodes than men, according to the Bipolar disorder statistics. Having a bipolar disorder history in the family may increase one’s risk of developing bipolar symptoms is stated by the National Health Institute of Mental Health.

Examination

Physical examinations, interview, lab tests like blood work and brain scans and evaluation of the patient’s medical history is involved in the first step in diagnosis. The doctor may provide referral to a trained mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, who is more experienced in handling bipolar disorder after a complete diagnostic evaluation. Extremely important in helping bipolar sufferers lead a normal life is proper and immediate diagnosis. To reduce the frequency or severity of the symptoms, it will also help provide the right kind of treatment.

Treatment method

To effectively prevent relapse and bipolar episodes, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually recommended. Among bipolar patients, Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, and anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotic (olanzapine, aripiprazolw, quetiapine, risperidone) and antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed. These are usually prescribed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Sleep medications or sedatives are recommended to patients having trouble sleeping in some cases. Support, guidance and education among bipolar patients as well as their families is provided by Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy’. Several approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy and psycho education are involved.

Warning

There are other illnesses that may coexist with bipolar manic depressive disorder, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. Substance abuse is may prolong or trigger bipolar symptoms and cause behavioral problems associated with bipolar manic disorder. Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress, social phobia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may overlap with bipolar disorder. Also, people suffering this condition have higher risks of developing thyroid disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other physical illnesses. Hence, seeking professional help upon experiencing symptoms of bipolar depressive or bipolar manic disorder is advised.

Ken P Doyle has vast amounts of knowledge and experience in mental health issues. For more information on bipolar manic depressive disorder or bipolar manic disorder, look up his website today.


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