"The staff is wonderful and very caring, they have great doctors, and everyone did a great job helping me. I wouldn't change a thing."
A client of Jennings Senior Care Hospital, a psychiatric specialty hospital
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness. Once called manic depressive illness, bipolar disorder causes severe changes of mood and behavior. At times you may feel extremely happy or irritable. This is the "high", or manic phase of the illness. At other times you may feel deeply depressed.
An episode of mania or depression usually lasts for months if not treated. Some people, however, may have both high and low episodes in a matter of days. People with bipolar disorder typically experience both manic (high) and depressive (low) phases, but some people have only the manic symptoms.
Bipolar disorder occurs in about 1.5 percent of the population. It is equally common in both sexes. If not treated, this illness can ruin careers and marriages and can result in suicide and violence.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a manic episode include:
You feel you are "on top of the world", and that anything is possible. However, these feelings may quickly change to anger or irritability.
You are unrealistically self-confident, even to the point of believing you have special powers or abilities that other people do not have.
Your thoughts may race uncontrollably to the point of being disorganized and incoherent. Sometimes, in the milder phases of the disorder, your thinking can be very creative.
You tend to talk rapidly and loudly, moving from topic to topic. It may be hard for others to follow what you are saying.
You may be able to go for days with little or no sleep and not feel tired.
Your sex drive might be increased, and almost everything seems interesting and enjoyable.
You may be excessively active and may engage in reckless or dangerous behavior. You are in danger of doing too much. For example, you might spend all your savings or go into debt, or you might drink too much alcohol or take illegal and dangerous drugs such as cocaine. You also may get very angry and get into fights.
Milder degrees of mania are referred to as hypomania, which does not involve loss of touch with reality or as much life disruption.
If not treated, the average manic phase lasts four weeks to four months.
The manic or hypomanic episode may be followed by a period of normal mood, but eventually the depressive part of the cycle begins. During the depression, you feel drained of energy and motivation. You feel worthless, helpless, and hopeless. You may have crying spells and may withdraw from social activities, work, and sex. You may lose your appetite, or your appetite may increase. You may need more sleep, although if the depression is severe, you may have trouble sleeping.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor or therapist will ask you or someone close to you about your symptoms and determine whether you have had a manic episode. He or she will try to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. For example, they could be the result of a medical problem, such as hyperthyroidism, or they might be caused by a medication you are taking.
You have probably had a manic episode if:
You have had a really high or angry mood for a week or more
You have had racing thoughts and rapid speech
You have had the feeling that you are unstoppable
You have been behaving recklessly
You may have what is called a mixed episode, if also, during the same period:
You have had feelings of being hopeless, helpless, worthless, or totally indifferent
You have had unexplained crying spells
You have withdrawn from activities that you used to enjoy
You have been unable to feel and act normally at school, work, or home
How is it treated?
Bipolar disorder is one of the most well researched conditions in the field of psychiatry. Many very successful treatments have been developed.
Medications are the most important part of treatment. Sometimes many different drugs are needed. For example, antidepressants, antiseizure medications that work as mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications may be needed to control the symptoms.
If an episode is severe, you may need to spend some time in a hospital. Because bipolar disorder is usually a life long illness, you may have to take medications for the rest of your life. There is a good chance, however, that treatment will allow you to lead a very productive and happy life.
What can I do for myself?
Make sure that you take your medications, even if you are feeling well. You may be tempted to stop taking medication when you are feeling fine, but you will eventually begin to have symptoms again if you stop.
Do not take any drug that is not legal, especially stimulants such as cocaine. Avoid drinking alcohol as well.
Watch yourself for symptoms. Identify warning signs and tell your doctor when you feel a manic or depressive episode might be coming on. Ask a family member or a close friend to watch you for warning signs.
Try to find out whether there are certain conflicts or problems with people that make your disorder worse.
Work with your therapist or doctor to develop skills to deal with these problems.
Make sure you get enough sleep on a regular schedule. Avoid losing sleep, such as when you travel.
Do not take any medications from other doctors before checking with the doctor treating your bipolar disorder.
Written by Naakesh A. Dewan, M.D. Copyright 1998 Clinical Reference Systems
Who do I contact for help?
If you would like more information or to schedule a confidential screening, please contact one of our facilities in your area.
