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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 a person. Mood episodes are accompanied by extreme changes in energy and activity.
Causes
The exact cause of the illness is not known, but a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and altered brain structure/chemistry may have a role to play. • Brain Structure and Functioning • Genetics • Family History
Diagnosis
A psychiatrist diagnoses it through patient history, psychiatric evaluation, etc.
Prevention
Avoiding stress, exercising, consuming a healthy diet, ensuring proper sleep, etc. can help in preventing it.
Treatment
Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder are: • 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.
