Category Archives: Bipolar

The Highs And Lows Of Having Bipolar Mental Health Disorder

November 30, 2009

All of us experience times when we are sad and feeling down, and times when we feel happy and excited about life and this is perfectly normal. However, when these highs and lows are extreme, then it could be an indication of bipolar mental health disorder, which is also sometimes referred to as manic depression.

What is Bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme changes in mood and behaviour where the sufferer experiences episodes of mania followed by episodes of depression, in other words ‘highs’ and ‘lows’.

Many people who have Bipolar disorder are also highly intelligent and extremely creative, even gifted. However, the disorder can also wreck lives and can sometimes result in suicide.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can range from very mild to extremely severe, everyone’s experience will be different. However, most people with Bipolar find that their symptoms follow a pattern and depending on that pattern will fall into one of the following different types of bipolar disorder.

•    Bipolar 1 – Mood swings with episodes of depression and extreme mania
•    Bipolar 2 – Mood swings with episodes of depression and milder mania
•    Cyclothymic Bipolar – Mild mood swings
•    Mixed Bipolar – involves episodes of both depression and mania occurring simultaneously
•    Rapid Cycling Bipolar – where there are four or more episodes of depression and mania occurring within a 12 month period.

What happens during the’ highs’ and ‘lows’?

During episodes of mania the individual may feel capable of tackling anything, can be extremely optimistic about their abilities and have an inflated idea of their own importance and power.

During these so called “highs” the bipolar sufferer may find they need very little sleep, have an increase in energy, are hypersexual, restless, and easily distracted. There may be psychosis too.

They can also be highly creative with many brilliant ideas. A person going through a manic phase may have racing thoughts and talk very fast, sometimes incoherently, and might become frustrated when others can’t keep up with them.

On the other hand they can show bizarre behaviour, poor judgement and decision making skills which can mean impulsive and extravagant spending, grandiose thinking, wild adventures, and inappropriate actions. Feelings of euphoria, excitement and extreme optimism are common.

In complete contrast, during a depressive episode the individual may feel sad and hopeless, guilty, tired, unable to concentrate, may lose their appetite be unable to sleep or function, and feel like their life is not worth living. There is a higher risk of suicide during a depressive episode.

How is Bipolar disorder treated?

Treatment for bipolar will usually consist of mood stabilising drugs, anti psychotics if psychosis is present, and sometimes anticonvulsants. Psychological therapies have also proved effective for many sufferers, particularly with helping them to cope with their illness on a daily basis.

The essential Omega 3 fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA has also been gaining increasing recognition for being effective at helping to alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder and research studies are continuing to highlight the benefit that EPA can have not just for bipolar disorder but for other mental health problems too.

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Defining Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

January 6, 2009

Bipolar spectrum disorder is a category of mood disorders.  This category of mood disorders is characterized by manic episodes where a person experiences an unusual elevated mood.  Bipolar spectrum disorder can include full manic episodes or mild episodes called hypomanic episodes.  Also falling under the category of bipolar spectrum disorder are conditions where depressive episodes occur.

Misunderstandings

Bipolar spectrum disorder is often misunderstood because of the great variety of conditions which fall under this category. A person who experiences a manic episode followed by a depressive episode would be a characteristic case of bipolar that would often be recognized easily.  However, there is such a wide range within bipolar spectrum disorder that diagnosis is often difficult.

Bipolar spectrum disorder can include people who never really have major manic episodes or who have a mixed episode that has characteristics of both manic and depressive symptoms.

Identifying Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

To better aid I diagnosis of bipolar spectrum disorder a system was introduced in 1978 by J. Angst.  This system classifies where a person lies within the spectrum.  The following codes are used to identify different areas of the spectrum:

- M is severe mania
- D is severe depression
- m is less severe mania
- d is less severe depression

These letters are often used in combination to define a persons normal episodes such as mD is hypomania and depression.

Important Facts

Bipolar spectrum disorder includes bipolar type 1, bipolar type 2 and sub threshold bipolar disorder.  Bipolar type 1 is considered the classic form and involves reoccurring episodes of mania and depression.  Bipolar type 2 involves mild episodes of mania with depressive episodes.  Other bipolar disorders that do not fall into the type 1 or type 2  are considered sub threshold bipolar disorder.

Bipolar spectrum disorder is often misdiagnosed because the frequency of the episodes may not be too often enough to see that both manic and depressive episodes are occurring.  Additionally, manic episodes vary so much from individual to individual and can include a range of symptoms that are similar to other psychiatric conditions.

Bipolar spectrum disorder requires effective management and treatment to control the disease.  Often times treatment will completely control the condition and a person will feel they no longer need medication.  Going off medication can cause severe reoccurrences of the disorder though.  It is essential that treatment for bipolar is long term because it is never cured and can come back.

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Options in Managing Bipolar

January 6, 2009

Managing bipolar is important to living with the disorder.  Bipolar can not be cured but through good management it can be controlled and become something you can live with.  It is common for a person who has been treating their bipolar effectively to think they no longer need treatment as they are better, but this often leads to severe relapses which causes major manic and depressive episodes.

Treatment is important and should be managed carefully to ensure that your bipolar disorder is kept under control. The following outlines the common medical treatments for bipolar disorder.

Medication

The most common way to treat bipolar is through medication.  Usually a person is given a combination of drugs to treat both manic and depressive episodes.

Lithium is a popular drug used to treat manic episodes.  Mood stabilizers are also used to help prevent manic and depressive episodes.  Anti depressants are also used to treat the depressive episodes.

It is usually a process that the patient and doctor go through to find the best medication or combination of medications to use in treatment.

Therapy

Therapy is used in many forms from professional to private.  A person with bipolar can join support groups or talk to a counselor.  Therapy is often used to help a person learn to deal with their condition, learn about their condition and to generally help make it easier to deal with bipolar.

Most doctors recommend some type of therapy for bipolar.  Talking through feelings can help you to identify what triggers your bipolar episodes and can be a good way to control them in the future.  You can also find out a lot more about yourself and learn to manage your life better through therapy.

Support

Support comes in many forms.  It does not just include support groups where you talk to others dealing with bipolar.  It can include learning more through reading about bipolar and discovering new methods of treatment.  You may also learn more about how others deal with bipolar and get some useful advice you can use.

It is hard to deal with bipolar alone and through support many people they become more able to handle their condition.  You can find support offline and online.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT has shown great results for people who are not able to tolerate medications or do not respond to other treatments.  ECT is a form of electroshock therapy.  It is done under professional guidance.  ECT is often used in very severe cases.

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Bipolar Support Groups

January 6, 2009

Bipolar support groups help create a viable way to cope with manic depression and they serve as vehicles for better understanding as well. Learning as much as possible about the diagnosis is a crucial step towards proper management and treatment.

Benefits of Support Groups

Obtaining knowledge about bipolar disorders requires more than simply reading the criteria outlined in the diagnostic manual. Real-life experiences offer wonderful insight and people who share similar experiences offer excellent support for one another. Knowledge is empowering in nearly every aspect of life, including mood disorders.

Lack of knowledge is frightening and it can lead to unnecessary stress and agitation. Unwarranted fears can result in a magnification of the symptoms, making recovery very difficult. Taking time to learn about bipolar disorder can help individuals treat the condition effectively.

Support groups are valuable because members are able to provide useful advice that professional may not recognize. Small details about daily life are of great importance and it is difficult to make recommendations without having adequate experience.

Making Connections

Isolation is a significant problem for people who have manic depression. Bipolar support groups provide opportunities for individuals to make strong connections with people who have similar experiences. Having an empathetic ear is so very valuable for people who have bipolar disorder.

Where to Find Bipolar Support Groups

The first place to look for a support group for bipolar disorder is your physician’s surgery. This is the most viable approach to finding an organisation within close proximity. Many surgeries offer information readily in the form of leaflets that outline support groups for various conditions.

Some people choose to conduct research online in order to find a bipolar support group in close proximity. There are online support groups to consider as well. These convenient forums offer insight from people around the world. The convenient approach makes attending meetings quite simple since there is no need to commute.

Coping Strategies

One of the most impressive benefits to joining a bipolar support group is learning how to develop coping skills. Bipolar people share how they manage their condition and they provide valuable insight ranging from a number of different perspective.

Some members are quite new to the condition and they share how they handle the diagnosis whist others have been managing their conditions for many years. Everyone has a unique experience with bipolar disorder but each insight offers valuable information and coping strategies.

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Bipolar Test

January 6, 2009

Anyone questioning whether manic depression is a source of concern can benefit from taking a bipolar test. There are various approaches you can use to determine whether your condition requires further attention. The simple fact that an individual wants to take a test for bipolar disorder is an indicator that something is amiss.

Physician’s Surgery

Your physician’s surgery is a prime example of a reliable source for testing for bipolar disorder. Manic depression is a serious condition that is quite complex. Many surgeries offer valuable information about the disorder as well as useful tests to determine whether you should consider counselling.

Online Tests

The Internet is a valuable resource that has many wonderful options to consider. It is important to note that the quizzes available online are merely in place to help you understand the condition better. They do not function to diagnose or treat any condition but they do provide valuable insight.

Goldberg Bipolar Spectrum Screening Test

The Goldberg Bipolar Spectrum Screening Test is an online questionnaire that consists of twelve questions. There are some prerequisites to the exam including age and depressive states. The test supposes that you are at least eighteen years of age and that you have experienced at least one bout of depression that was significant enough to prevent you from functioning normally.

The twelve questions are specific to the symptoms of bipolar disorder but it is important to keep in mind that you may have different answers depending on your mood. Scoring 25 or above on the exam suggests that you may have bipolar disorder and it would be wise to follow through with a visit to your doctor.

Taking Online Tests for Bipolar for Someone Else

Some people have considerable worry for loved ones who exhibit unusual behaviours. You can opt to take a test for someone close to you. However, it is likely that the result will be skewed by your perception. It is impossible to know fully what someone else is thinking and feeling. The tests are quite subjective.

If you are taking a bipolar screening test on behalf of a friend or relative, you may have difficulty answering some questions. For example, many tests include questions about sleeping patterns and thought processes. These subjects can be rather difficult to answer for someone else.

No matter if you are testing for yourself or for a loved one, it is very important to follow a suspicion of bipolar disorder with a visit to a physician. The doctor can make a diagnosis based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV.

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Selecting a Bipolar Drug

January 6, 2009

The appropriate bipolar drug can yield excellent results in the treatment of manic depression. The mood disorder is believed to have a chemical basis, in which imbalances of chemicals in the brain lead to serious emotional and behavioural imbalances. Bipolar medication is designed to create a balance.

Mood Stabilisers

Mood stabilisers are effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This kind of bipolar drug is ideal as a preventative measure. The idea is to keep normal moods stable before a bout of depression or mania develops. This group of medications treat both mania and depressed states without making either one worse.

Some medicines treat symptoms of one polarity or another. Antidepressants are effective when the individual is in a depressed state. However, these medications can have an adverse effect on the person when he enters a state of mania. Medications to lower manic states can lead to feelings of depression.

Four Aspects of Treatment

Mood stabilizers provide four very important purposes in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

? Prevents depressed states
? Prevents hypomania and manic states
? Treats depression as it occurs
? Treats hypomania and mania as they occur

The nature of bipolar disorder is one that is very problematic when it comes to choosing medication. Mood stabilizers are ideal because they offer a means to treat each end of the spectrum and they provide preventative treatment for the condition as well.

Bipolar Drug Types

There are different types of moods stabilizers to consider. Finding the right prescription is an integral part of properly addressing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Following are examples of commonly used mood stabilizers.

? Lamictal is ideal when depression is the primary concern in the condition.
? Seroquel is prescribed when depression and mania are equally problematic. This medication is effective in treating sleep problems.
? Depakote is prescribed for severe mania. It is a strong medication that is commonly prescribed to men.
? Tegretol is a relatively inexpensive option that addresses mania and sleep problems effectively.
? Zyprexa is an emergency drug for very severe symptoms. This medication is used on an as-needed basis.

Lithium

Lithium is unique because some refer to this bipolar drug as a mood stabiliser whilst others do not. This drug is ideal for treating individuals with bipolar I symptoms. Lithium is an inexpensive medication that is effective in treating extremely elevated mania and deep depression. Lithium may be prescribed for individuals who have suicidal tendencies.

The options are quite vast in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Choosing the right prescription takes some consideration. The effort is well spent considering the benefits to using medication therapy in the treatment of manic depression.

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Understanding 2 Bipolar Type

January 6, 2009

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that involves extreme shifts in personality and mood. The mood disorder has a spectrum of symptoms and afflicted individuals experience the condition in different levels of severity. The DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV) outlines the criteria for bipolar 1 and 2 bipolar type.

Bipolar 2 Type

Those who experience bipolar type 2 have episodes of major depression at least once. In addition, they experience hypomania at least once as well. This type of manic depression can involve additional depressed states as the condition runs its course.

Hypomania

People who experience hypomania have great motivation, excelling at work and other endeavours. They can achieve well in social situations and in their careers. The state is quite positive and many fail to see hypomania as a particular problem.

Individuals who have episodes of hypomania may appear a too enthusiastic to others. The condition is recognizable to some, especially if they are quite close to the bipolar person. However, hypomania does not seem to interfere with the individual’s ability to function normally.

There is also a significant lack of psychosis in bipolar type 2 condition. Hypomania does involve marked changes in behaviour and mood but there are no delusions or hallucinations in this form of manic depression.

Depression

Many may consider the hypomania to be no problem at all. However, this emotional state of confidence and energy falls away periodically in individuals who have 2 bipolar type. Depressive states are detrimental to the person’s ability to function properly at home and in the workplace.

An individual who was once quite productive and motivated suddenly becomes sullen and ineffective. The depressed state can be caused by stressful situations including death, divorce and problems in the work environment.

Misdiagnosis

There is a possible threat of misdiagnosis in the bipolar 2 condition because the state of hypomania is quite pleasant and does not appear to be an aspect of any mental illness. Individuals who have this type of bipolar disorder may be diagnosed with depressive disorder, making treatment difficult

It is crucial that the proper diagnosis be made in order for proper treatment to go into effect. Bipolar disorders are not effectively treated with medications and therapies designed for depression. Proper diagnosis requires serious consideration and screening. This is a very important step to the successful treatment of bipolar 2 disorder.

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Lamictal Bipolar Medication

January 6, 2009

There are various medications to consider in the treatment of manic depression. Lamictal bipolar medication is one that has promising results. Prescription drugs yield excellent results in the treatment of this mood disorder. There are many types to consider so it is quite important to weigh your options.

Mood episodes are problematic for people who have manic depression. Physicians typically prescribe mood-stabilizing medications in order to help patients treat bipolar disorder. There are two basic types of medications, ones that are prescribed for specific symptoms and ones prescribed for maintenance.

Lamictal Bipolar Medication and Maintenance

Maintenance medications are ideal for helping individuals with the mood disorder to prevent manic and depressed episodes from occurring. Prevention is ideal because the individual is able to maintain a healthy balance without worry about experiencing the extreme mood shifts and the negative experiences associated with them.

Lamictal is a long-term medication that bipolar patients use to maintain a healthy balance of emotional states. It is important to note that the medication does not treat mania and depression whilst the individual is in the throes of the polar states. The primary function of the bipolar drug is to keep the extreme moods from appearing.

Evaluation

Although the medication is ideal for individuals who want to maintain a healthy balance in emotional polarity, it is necessary to seek evaluations at your physician’s surgery in order to assure that the medication is working properly and that you are not experiencing unpleasant side effects. Doctors suggest that people taking lamictal should seek re-evaluation every eighteen months.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include the following:

? Headaches
? Vision problems
? Sleep disturbances
? Fatigue
? Nausea or vomiting
? Tremors
? Loss of balance

Some individuals who take this medication experience skin rash. The rash is typically moderate or mild and appears within the first two months of treatment. However, in rare cases, severe rashes appear that require hospitalisation.

Patients are urged to seek immediate attention if swelling in the lips or tongue appears. Hives, mouth sores, and sores near the eyes are indicators of a serious allergic reaction to the medication.

Not every bipolar patient is suited for lamictal. There are some side effects to consider that may cause problems. Proper evaluation with your physician is the ideal approach to deciding whether this mood disorder drug is suitable for your specific needs.

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Depression or Bipolar Disorder

January 6, 2009

Determining whether you have depression or bipolar disorder is a fundamental element in the proper treatment of a mood disorder. Depressed states can be quite troublesome considering the symptoms of the condition. Manic depression has symptoms on both ends of the spectrum, ranging from depressed states to euphoria.

Bipolar I

It appears reasonable that individuals who have bipolar disorder can easily identify the condition as such considering the extreme changes in mood they experience. However, not everyone experiences the condition the same way. Those who have classic symptoms of bipolar I disorder may recognise the symptoms of depression and mania with relative ease.

Bipolar II

Those who experience bipolar II disorder have different experiences. Instead of experiencing extremely erratic mood during manic stages, the individual experiences a milder form of mania, known as hypomania. Hypomania is especially problematic because the individual is quite comfortable during this stage.

Hypomania is mild compared to the erratic mania commonly associated with type I bipolar disorder. Those who experience this milder form of the condition are motivated to achieve lofty goals at work and in their daily endeavours. They have more energy and they feel very confident.

Identifying Bipolar II Disorder

Identifying type 2 bipolar disorder is quite problematic since the individual may seek help for depression. This is simply because the symptoms of hypomania are not extreme enough to alert serious attention.

There are slight indicators that the individuals is more motivated, energetic and productive than normal but the symptoms do not interfere with daily activities and social interactions. Since this is the case, many people fail to recognize the subtle symptoms of hypomania as they put their focus on the depressed states instead.

In order to properly identify bipolar 2 disorder, it is necessary to consider the range of emotions that you typically feel. If you notice a consistent shift between productivity and confidence and major depression, it is possible that you have bipolar disorder rather than depression.

Depression

Depressive disorder appears without episodes of mania or hypomania. It is important to make a distinction because the treatment for depression is quite different from treatments used for bipolar disorder, especially when it comes to medication. Individuals who have bipolar conditions typically take mood stabilizing medications rather than antidepressants except during specific episodes that require antidepressant drug therapy.

Determining whether you have depression or bipolar II disorder can be challenging. However, you can sort through the issue using screening tests and a visit to your doctor’s surgery for evaluation.

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Defining Bipolar II Disorder

January 6, 2009

The diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines various forms of manic depression including bipolar II disorder. This condition is also known as “soft bipolar” because the symptoms are not quite as severe as those experienced by individuals who have classic bipolar I disorder.

Major Depression

Major depression is a fundamental element in both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder. In order for an individual to be diagnosed with either of these mood disorders, it is necessary that they have at least one episode of major depression. Many people with these conditions experience more than one bout of depression.

Hypomania

Hypomania is much like a manic episode. However, hypomania is much less extreme. Individuals who have this mild form of mania experience elevated mood and productivity. They are apt to sleep less whilst still feeling rested and they are very motivated to achieve their goals.

Distinction between Bipolar II and Bipolar I

The fundamental distinction between bipolar I and II is the absence of manic episodes in the occurrence of bipolar II disorder. Manic episodes are far more erratic and the individual experiences racing thoughts and an inability to concentrate during manic phases. Mania also interferes with the individual’s ability to function normally during everyday interactions.

Psychosis

Individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar type 2 are not likely to develop psychosis in their conditions. Psychotic episodes may develop in type 1 bipolar disorder as the individual experiences extreme states of mania on a regular basis. The polarities are extreme and the patient may develop signs of psychosis.

Psychosis often involves frightening occurrences including delusional thinking and hallucinations. Bipolar II types do not exhibit psychosis in their experiences.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Bipolar II disorder is challenging because hypomania is quite mild compared to its manic counterpart. The condition is often confused with depressive disorder since the individual usually seeks treatment during times of deep depression rather than during stable moods or hypomania.

Following are the symptoms of bipolar II disorder:

? Major depression
? Hypomania
? Absence of mania
? Absence of mixed episodes

These symptoms differ from depressive disorder in that hypomania is present. Symptoms of hypomania include:

? Reduced sleep
? Racing thought processes
? Motivation
? Excessive energy
? Lofty goals

Many of the symptoms of hypomania are the same as mania. However, the signs of hypomania are much less extreme. This is the fundamental difference between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder.

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