Bipolar disorder, also known as Manic Depression, is a condition that can arise from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This can result in fluctuated moods, creating manic behavior and bouts of deep depression. Of course Bipolar disorder is much more complex then that.
Bipolar sufferers come under two classifications, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is generally classified by the patient having at least one attack of mania in their life, followed by depression. Bipolar II sufferers however, experience several attacks of mania and depression throughout their lives.
People suffering from Bipolar can go years without being diagnosed, as many of its symptoms are the same as depression.
Symptoms of Depression:
- Suicidal thoughts and/or tendencies.
- Lack of sleep or increase of sleep.
- Loss of interest in normal life, withdrawing from relationships.
- Indecisiveness.
- Rapid gain or loss of weight.
- Noticeable changes in appetite.
- Lack of concentration.
- Low moods
Symptoms of Mania:
- Don’t feel the need for sleep.
- Easily distracted.
- Feeling like they are indestructible; are able to accomplish everything.
- Hallucinations and often delusions.
- Heightened creativity.
- Inappropriate and often sexual behavior.
Causes of Bipolar:
What causes Bipolar depends on the patient but there are three main factors for the disorder. It could be Genetic; Physiological or Environmental. The disorder is often inherited, 80% of cases of Bipolar are due to their genetics. Some think that Bipolar can be triggered by an imbalance of serotonin in the brain although it is unlikely that serotonin is the only cause. Environmental, however, seems to be the smallest factor in the onset of Bipolar Disorder.
Treatments:
Just like any other mental illness, Bipolar can be managed with medication and therapy. Although there is no known cure, patients can lead healthy and relatively normal lives.