subject: Bipolar Disorder -- Treatment And Signs [print this page] Bipolar syndrome or what is popularly known as manic-depression syndrome is a psychiatric disorder that greatly affects the mood of the person. The person with bipolar disorder usually experiences severe mood swings and these extreme mood swings affect how the individual leads his or her life. Alternating high and low emotions such as undergoing clinical depression one moment to being extremely excited the next is a good example of bipolar disorder. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to serious consequences to the entire family and may even result in suicide.
Signs and Symptoms
Since there will be alternating signs of mania and depression, people around the individual should know signs of both depression and mania. Here are the warning signs of both conditions:
Mania
* Elevated energy level - The patient will be restless and will be involved in many activities.
* Disruption in sleep patterns - There will be a lack of sleep because of over-excitement.
* Judgment impairment - Person experiencing mania will jump into situations without thinking and will become impulsive.
* Changes in Speech - He or she might be talking fast and will sometimes be incomprehensible.
* Easily Distracted - There will be many ideas flying through their heads; thus, the many distractions.
Depression
* Low energy levels - Individual may exhibit fatigue, may be lethargic, and may lose interest in activities.
* Physical changes - Patient may gain or lose weight and may complain of many body aches.
* Negative emotions - There will be a period of sadness, and the person may cry at inopportune moments. Other emotions may appear such as despair, guilt, and loss of self-worth.
* Negative moods - Person may be easily irritated, susceptible to anger and anxiety, and overly critical of self. * Negative Thoughts - He or she might be disorganized and unable to concentrate. There will be many thoughts regarding suicide and feeling dead.
Bipolar disorder does not discriminate and people of any race, gender, or age may be diagnosed with this condition. However, there is hope in combining therapy and the right medication to alleviate extreme mood swings. For some people, having bipolar disorder can even give them the advantage of being creative and edgy.
by: Tom Griffins
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
