Overview

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Symptoms

People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and unusual behaviors. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.” Mood episodes are drastically different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the person. Extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep go along with mood episodes.

Causes

Exact cause of the illness is not known, but combination of genetics, environment and altered brain structure/chemistry may have impact

• Brain Structure and Functioning
• Genetics
• Family History

Diagnosis

Patient history, Psychiatric Evaluation etc.

Prevention

Avoiding stres, exercise, healty diet, proper sleep etc.

Treatment

Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Mood stabilizers like Li
• divalproex
• Atypical antipsychotics
• Antidepressants

Everyday Life

Even with proper treatment, mood changes can occur. Keeping a life chart that records daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events can help clients and doctors track and treat bipolar disorder most effectively.

Resources

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145406