Understanding Bipolar Disorder

The basics of an often misunderstood and frequently feared condition.

While bipolar disorder is often laughed about, it is no joking matter. It is also nothing to be feared. Rather, it is a condition that - if ignored, misdiagnosed, or mistreated - can have a tremendous impact on an individual's quality of life. Before you shy away from discussing the disorder or make a wisecrack at bipolar's expense, read on to find out the truth concerning this difficult to understand condition.

What is bipolar disorder?

Also called manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a condition that takes root in the brain. Individuals with the condition suffer from incredible, immediate changes in mood, energy level, and ability to carry out ordinary functions of daily life.

Is it dangerous?

When someone is dealing with the constant ups and downs that accompany bipolar disorder, the result can be disastrous. From difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships to sudden outbursts at work or school, bipolar disorder can cause them all. Due to the sudden, powerful depressive bouts, people with bipolar disorder are also more likely to attempt suicide.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for suffering from bipolar disorder. While it is unclear what causes bipolar disorder to develop, researchers have determined that people with a family history of the condition are at increased risk for the disorder themselves. It typically begins to become symptomatic in the late teen years or early adulthood, but can develop and manifest in childhood.

What are the symptoms?

As mentioned previously, bipolar disorder results in sudden, dramatic mood swings, energy levels, and ability and willingness to function. Other symptoms of a manic episode include poor judgment, spending sprees, drug abuse, extreme irritability, increased energy, and feelings of restlessness. During a depressive bout, symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt; decreased energy; disruption of sleep patterns; and suicidal thoughts or attempts. To be deemed a depressive or manic episode, an individual must experience multiple symptoms for prolonged periods.

How is it treated?

Currently, bipolar disorder is typically treated with a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments (often psychotherapy). For success, the treatment must be taken seriously and followed rigorously throughout life. Even with these treatments in place, it is not uncommon for bipolar episodes to occur. When this happens, people with bipolar disorder are encouraged to contact their physicians to tweak their treatment plans to prevent the episode from worsening.

What should be done during a bipolar event?

If you suspect someone is suffering a bipolar event, most important is to protect the individual suffering the event. Don't let him or her drive or operate heavy machinery and stay with the person until the episode passes. In the event the bipolar individual is threatening to commit suicide, immediately call 911 or an appropriate physician, and again - never leave him or her alone.

How constant an impact does bipolar disorder have?

Fortunately, while bipolar episodes will likely recur time and again during an individual's life, most people with bipolar disorder can lead normal, healthy lives between the episodes. However, some people suffer from residual symptoms of bipolar disorder and others suffer regular episodes, regardless of whether they're undergoing treatment or not.

Before Getting Control...you have to seek help.

No one wants to live with bipolar disorder. As a result, the condition is often ignored until it wreaks havoc on the bipolar individual's life. If you or someone you know has symptoms of bipolar disorder, don't ignore the symptoms.

Instead, encourage him or her to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The idea of being tested for something with such a negative stigma is intimidating, but with the support of family and friends, people with bipolar disorder can do it and begin gaining control over their symptoms.

Once treatment begins, it may be helpful for the individual with bipolar disorder and his or her family members to join a support group. To find a support group in your area, contact your local hospital or your physician.