All About Bipolar Disorder - What it is and How Can You Tell If a Person is Suffering From It

Bipolar disorder is a manic depressive illness that occurs due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. As a result, the sufferer will have unusual shifts in energy, mood and ability to function.

This is very different from what normal people go through, as the symptoms of anyone suffering from this type of disorder are very severe. People who are unable to manage it will have difficulty in maintaining relationships, finding a job and excelling in school.

Studies show that there are about 5.7 million Americans or 2.6% of the total population at different age levels that have bipolar disorder. This may begin during childhood while some may develop it later on in life.

This may happen to adults who are either alcohol or drug dependent but this has occurred frequently in people with seasonal depression and certain anxiety disorders like PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder.

According to the World Health Organization, bipolar disorder is considered to be the 6th most disabling illness.

The chemical imbalance mentioned earlier is caused by a complex set of factors. Some say genetics plays a role because 60% of patients have had someone in the family with this disorder. Until now, scientists have only been able to identify 4 genes that are associated with this disorder. More studies need to be done to determine if the environment also has a role.

So how can you tell if a person is suffering from bipolar disorder? This can easily be determined by looking at the person's behavior. Some of these symptoms include increased activity or restlessness, extreme irritability; the person is easily distracted, uses poor judgment, engages in spending sprees, denies that there is nothing wrong, increased sexual drive, little sleep needed and signs of aggressive behavior.

Bipolar Affective Disorder - Medication and Healthy Lifestyle Habits

As a person with bipolar affective disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar disorder, you must know how important it is to self-manage your mood swings with your medication and lifestyle habits.

Bipolar disorder will keep your mood swinging between bouts of depression, to excited periods of mania and relative calm all in continuing cycles of varying periods.

For most individuals, this would probably be a lifelong fight and treatment which would be in form of medication.

The truth is: there is no form of treatment that can have fast and effective action as pharmaceutical drugs. Medication for bipolar disorder has been around for a while, and there is a wide variety to choose from including klonopin, xanax, carbamazepin, largactil, and much more. Most times, a combination of drugs is used, for instance, to help with sleep and to check side effects. You must realize that your body needs to get used to these drugs; therefore, give the treatment some time and report any unwanted side effects to your doctor.

Behavioral therapy is also a good treatment option - especially in combination with drugs. You need to learn about how your mind works as a bipolar person and be informed as to what life choices you should make. Behavioral therapy will keep you in tune with society, for instance; issues of sexuality can be addressed as well as how to cope with your relationships and daily activities.

Can diet have an effect on bipolar disorder?

Depending on what you eat - although there is no specific diet for the disorder - it is advisable that you eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a balance of protective, nutritionally dense foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean (non fatty) meat. Exercise can be trying for people with bipolar disorder because of the drowsiness and long hours of sleep, but working out whenever you can, will help maintain your health and make you feel good.

Special foods that are of particular importance to a bipolar person include albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, salmon, and trout.

They contain fish oil like the omega-3 fatty acids and are associated with greater volume in areas of the brain especially areas related to mood and behavior.

Foods you should avoid include foods that may interact with specific bipolar medication. These are caffeine which can alter your mood and disrupt sleep, and diminish the effects of the medication, foods high in tyramine like banana, champagne, fermented cheese, liver, and soy sauce. This category of foods can cause severe hypertension when used with MAO inhibitors (a certain class of antidepressants). Grape fruit or its juice may cause excessive impairment and toxicity of some anticonvulsants. And of course, alcohol is not advised. Not only will it interact with the medication, but according to the National Institute of Medical Health, people with bipolar disorder are five times more likely to develop alcohol misuse and dependency.

Bipolar Disorder - What is Bipolar Disorder and What Are the Symptoms?

What is bipolar disorder, and how can it affect you? That's what we'll discuss in this article. Specifically, we will cover different symptoms, as they relate to diagnosis criteria, as well as different processes for treating bipolar disorder. After reading this article, you should have the exact answer to the question -- what is bipolar disorder?

When your mood has recurring episodes of significant fluctuating disturbance, you might have bipolar disorder. Typically, these disturbances come from changing states of crippling depression, to extreme happiness -- often referred to as mania. Manic depression is another term for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is divided by classification into three different areas -- bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia. Bipolar I refers to a disturbance in moods with at least one manic episode. Bipolar II includes both a hypomanic episode, which literally translates to below mania, and an episode of major depression, often accompanied by a lack of appetite, intense fatigue, and disturbances and sleep pattern.

Cyclothymia is similar to bipolar II, only with a more mild disturbance in mood.

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on the patient's report of experiences, as well as those reported by family members and close friends, to a psychiatrist, social worker, or clinical psychologist, or other similar professional.

Bipolar disorder treatment does not focus on a cure, but on effective management of mood disorders and bipolar disorder episodes. In order to do this, a combination of medication and psychotherapy techniques are used. The most common form of medication that is prescribed, when dealing with bipolar disorder, is lithium. Also, sodium valproate and carbamazepine are also often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder.

Often the behavioral manifestations involved with bipolar disorder are not detected by the patient, family members, or even health professionals, for very long time. This means that some people suffer from bipolar disorder for years, before getting treatment. If you or someone you know has observed some of the symptoms described above, I would urge you to research the topic in more depth, to see if treatment might be needed.

In conclusion, I have given you a straightforward definition of what is bipolar disorder. Also, I have given you some ideas on possible treatments, as well classifications of the different kinds of bipolar disorder. Use this information to decide if bipolar disorder may be occurring in your life, or the life of someone you know. If so, take the necessary steps to get professional help, and a proper diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder - After the Diagnosis

Now that you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, what is the next step? Well, by now, you should have been told the importance of the medication prescribed and why you must use it as well as visit your health care professional regularly. But it would be of much help for you to understand what the disorder is all about as that knowledge will enable you cope and manage your life effectively.

You should understand that what you know about bipolar disorder will help you; your relationships and your doctor ensure a stable and comfortable life for you. Lest to say, the more you know, the more you will be able to handle the complications associated with bipolar disorder, and the truth is: life with it can be very complex. It can totally devastate your life if you are afflicted with it.

Your relationships will definitely be affected as friends and loved ones will have to come to terms with your condition. You might not be able to control the highs and lows, but they can be managed; and you will be pleased to know that life doesn't have to be so difficult for you, your friends, and loved ones.

The first step to managing bipolar disorder is to accept that you have it, and try to live your life around it. The stigma that is associated with mental disorders isn't as high as it used to be; more and more people are speaking about having one form of disorder or the other. You certainly are not alone - but must come to a point where you stop your denials of your state, remove the doubts, and submit yourself to treatment.

You should have an understanding of words like manic episodes, hypomanic episodes, cyclothymanic disorder, rapid - cycling bipolar disorder, all related to this condition. They may all sound strange and unfamiliar; no one will go about telling people: "I don't feel well today, I think I am having a cyclothymanic episode." would they? Whatever knowledge you gain about bipolar disorder will ultimately help you regain control of your life.

Bipolar disorder normally comes in cycles - and by now you may have a little sense of the pattern your cycles follow. Patterns in some cases follow a hypomanic episode - manic episode - depressive episode, moving on to a normal mood state. Someone having an hypomanic episode usually doesn't seek treatment because this is a state of good feeling (high), but unfortunately, it doesn't last as depression often follows. This is characteristic of bipolar I disorder

Bipolar II disorder, on the other hand, doesn't normally result in mania. In this condition the depression can last for a long time, sometimes months.

Recovery from depression is up to the person: you simply must desire to recover. Bipolar disorder has the highest successful suicide rate and attempted suicide rate amongst mental disorders.

Someone going through successive moods of highs and lows can find this disturbing and a strain on his or her psychological fitness.

However, it can be managed and managed well. The greatest help will come from taking the medication as prescribed. If you forget your medication, it might help to set a timer or reminder on your computer.

Keep side effects at bay by talking to your doctor. Ask about ways to control side effects as the medication can make you sleepy or jittery. Most people with bipolar disorder need extra sleep - 8 to 10 or even 12 hours a day.

You can live a successful life even with bipolar disorder; you can regain control. It's in your hands.

The Bipolar Psychic

The most common psychiatric diagnosis among those with extraordinary psychic skills is Bipolar Disorder. Also known as manic depression, manic-depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder, this diagnosis describes a category of mood disorders. In the case of many psychics, there are presences of a multitude of episodes of abnormally elevated mood throughout their lives. Moods bounce back and forth from major depression to times of mania or experience both emotions simultaneously.

Episodes of one mood or another can last days, months, even years at a time. In extreme cases, psychic can experience psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Depressive episodes are associated with distress and disruption leading to elevated risk of suicide. Manic episodes are associated with creativity, goal striving and positive achievements, though usually acted out without forethought or logical thinking.

Psychics tend to have mild to severe bipolar disorders throughout childhood and adulthood. Periods of heightened emotional stress can accelerate the disorder as well as increases in psychic sensitivity. Increased psychic sensitivity can lead to stronger and more frequent episodes just as periods of heightened emotional stress can increase psychic sensitivity. While this disorder may always be an underlying part of the psychic, there are treatments that can help bring the disorder into varying levels of control. Treatments include psychological based behavior therapy and stress management and psychiatric based medicative treatments. Psychics are encouraged to meditate on their psychic skill as a means to focus their transmission and reception of emotions as to spare themselves and others of unnecessary additional stress. Some psychics may find control through meditation via attempting to narrow the reception/transmission channel that they use to send and receive emotional packages of information. Ignoring a condition such as bipolar disorder will only lead to increased complications, sensitivity and frequency of episodes.

Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

* Feeling euphoric and optimistic or experience extreme irritability

* Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one's abilities or powers

* Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic

* Talking so rapidly that others can not keep up

* Racing thoughts

* Highly distractible, unable to concentrate

* Impaired judgment and impulsiveness

* Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences

* Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Bipolar disorder not only affects mood, but also energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure. Psychics with any degree of bipolar disorder can improve with treatment and lead normal lives.

Sources

* Dominic Lam, Kim Wright, Neil Smith (August 2002), "Dysfunctional assumptions in bipolar disorder." Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 79, Issue 1.

* National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Bipolar Disorder Treatments - 6 Effective Alternative Methods Of Treatment

Bipolar has many definitions, all of which can affect a person lot as well as their family. One of the definitions is that a person diagnosed with the bipolar disorder has alternating experiences of extreme elation coupled with deep depression. Another form of bipolar is Manic Depression which is characterised by episodes of deep depression, that is accompanied with one manic episode.

Bipolar disorder is said to affect a person's thought patterns, behaviour, feelings and their perception of things around them. Professional put this down to chemical imbalances and electrical elements of the brain, as it is not functioning normally. Others say that this is a mental illness which can run in the family, so people are more prone to getting this disorder if there is a medical history of bipolar disorder running in the family or any other mental illness.

Many types of medications are offered to bipolar patients, and not everyone is comfortable with having to take the daily doses continually for some time. There are those who prefer to supplement or to use alternative therapies which are deemed healthier than using prescribed medication.

1. Omega 3

Research shows that Omega 3 which is found in fish oils and in many other fishes is good for anyone with a mental illness and bipolar. One significant research involving 30 bipolar patients was conducted over four months. It was done to show comparisons of the efficacy of Omega 3 against olive oil or placebo for treating bipolar disorder. Researchers believe that this disorder is a neuropsychatric illness with high mortality and morbidity. They proved at their preliminary study that Omega 3 was much better in performance for longer remissions, as based on the symptom severity which is on four scales. Studies are continuous in the hope of finding new classes of the psychotropic compounds, so that they can be utilised as mood stabilisers to help sufferers.

2. Herbal

Herbal supplements are preferred by many people as an alternative to taking prescribed drug medications due to their beliefs, or as a healthy option. Not all herbs are ideal for treating bipolar disorder, as some herbs can in fact worsen the condition in a patient. Taken with some drugs, herbal supplements can have a harmful reaction. You should always consult your doctor before taking herbal medication with any other drugs.

3. Diet and Nutrition

For treating depression, holistic doctors will suggest that you use B-Complex, Magnesium and Thiamin as part of your diet. Organise your menus every day and check that you have adjusted your diet accordingly, so that your body receives the necessary nutrients to regain your good health again.

4. Counseling with your Pastor

Whatever your religion, if you are suffering from Bipolar Disorder, it is a good idea to talk to your vicar, pastor, priest or rabbi, rather than to a therapist. During difficult times, your religious community can be a great help at comfort. Spirituality and prayers are recognised by the community, and also as part of your medication and psychotherapy sessions.

5. Art Therapy

Joining in expressive therapies are especially good for those who mostly stay at home. Art helps you to express yourself freely without any inhibitions. You may want to enroll in classes like Drawing, Watercolours, Oil Painting, Sculpting and many other Arts. Look around locally to see what classes are available in art or expressive therapies.

For those who enjoy movement, there is dance therapy. Your cognitive, emotional and physical well being is catered for as your feet move into action and lift your spirits.

How about sound or music therapy? Listening to soothing music can help anyone relax. The chemical in your body will react so that your blood pressure, improves along with your breathing and pulse rate; and even your posture will change.

6. Traditional Medicine

For emotional, physical and spiritual well being there are traditional medicines, some of which are culturally based. These include Acupuncture, Yoga, Reiki, Shiatsu, Ayurveda, Qigong which are all popular examples of Healing Arts, based on the belief that any imbalance in your body will cause illness.

By combining all these alternative therapies and medications a person with bipolar may be treated effectively, and bring their body back into balance by nature. You should always consult a doctor if you encounter any problems, and any prescribed medication should be continued with unless it is making you worse in which case, a doctor will change course. Your doctor will be able to advise you on alternative medicines.

Bipolar Disorder in Babies and Young Children

Bipolar disorder is a stipulation that is often diagnosed only in teens and adults. However, the're rising instances of children and babies being diagnosed as bipolars. As a matter of fact, there are growing up children who're currently being treated for this illness. When mood swings are to be expected as a result of this disorder, it can be quite a challenge for parents and caregivers to take care of a bipolar child.

Understanding bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a medical illness that is characterized by marked changes in temperament, behavior and mood swings. Bipolar disorder is also called as manic depression. It is a rather serious condition but it might be treated through medications and therapy.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

- irritability

- mood swings

- anger or rages

- destructive behavior

- separation anxiety

- melancholia

- no curiosity about play

- insomnia or difficulty in sleeping

- bed wetting

- nightmares

- restlessness and agitation

- extreme elation followed by extreme depression

- agitation

- cravings

- uncontrollable tantrums

The most key of treating and managing bipolar disorder is early diagnosis and intervention. The symptoms of this disorder can appear in infancy and bipolar babies might be checked early by a medical professional so the chasten treatment can be prescribed.

Is bipolar disorder common in babies?

The're no studies yet that will show how frequent the illness is among infants and youngsters. What's known, though, is that only as many as 2% of the adult population in the world have the disorder. It is in addition observed that children who have ADHD (attention deficit disorder) showed symptoms of bipolar as soon as possible in infancy.

Looking after the affairs of mood swings in bipolar babies

It is very important that a particular diagnosis is performed. Is so that any underlying conditions that may be causing the mood swings in the newborn child appears eliminated. This is because in a few cases, bipolar disorder can only be an element of a larger condition. A wrong diagnosis cannot only prevent an infant from getting the assist he/she deserves, his health could also be placed in jeopardy if medications that aren't appropriate for his condition are prescribed.

If bipolar disorder is indeed diagnosed, then it would be easier for the parents and the physician to discuss which types of treatments may be helpful for the child. It's important that parents understand the kind of demands expected from them when in comes to taking care of a bipolar baby. Therapies, medications, sure adjustments in diet and lifestyle, are merely some thing that they have to be mindful of.

Parents should likewise keep records of any improvements or distinct behavior in children throughout prescribed treatment period. During consultations with the physician, any new observations should be discussed.

Parents should in addition try to obtain updated information regarding bipolar disorder in babies. Apart from on the internet resources, there are likewise professional associations and groups that offer not just news, facts and statistics but also necessary support. Joining on the internet forums can in addition be helpful because many parents who have bipolar babies on their own frequently offer their private proactive advice, something that inexperienced parents will see valuable.

There's no reason why a bipolar baby suffering from mood swings at an adolescent age cannot age and become a healthy diet and regular exercise, fully functional adult. The chief is for parents to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and sufficient medical, emotional and physical support for the infant.