By Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. It is a very serious, chronic illness that if left untreated, can cause severe functional impairment or disability..
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What Is Bipolar Disorder? – Related Questions
What is a bipolar person like?
DSM-5 defines bipolar disorder as a spectrum of mood disorders in which people alternate between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). People with a bipolar disorder experience periods of energized, elevated, or irritable moods, behavior and frenzied activity (which may range from agitation to violence) that last at least one week (unless caused by a medication or drug) and cause significant changes in functioning, such as a lack of sleep, engaging in high-risk activities, unusually risky or reckless behavior, or having impulsive *** with people they probably wouldn’t choose to have *** with when not in this state. They also exhibit a depressed mood that lasts most of the day, nearly every day, and causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The individual is usually not aware of the symptoms or causes of their behavior..
What causes bipolar in a person?
Mental illness and brain damage are the most commonly reported causes of bipolar disorder. A traumatic brain injury and substance abuse can also be responsible. You may have thought a traumatic brain injury is not a cause of bipolar, but people with bipolar are more than twice as likely as the rest of the population to have suffered a traumatic brain injury. In addition to a traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder can also be caused by brain damage from strokes, diabetes, and infections such as meningitis..
What are the 4 types of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. If you have bipolar disorder, you may experience periods of high energy, euphoria, and a decreased need for sleep. These periods are called manic episodes. You may feel very excitable, irritable, and agitated. You may sleep very little, if at all. Most people who are bipolar are also depressed at least some of the time. The opposite of mania, which is called depression, is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can last for weeks or months. During these times, you may have trouble sleeping, feel tired, and have feelings of worthlessness, problems concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Learn more: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml.
What is the most common cause of bipolar disorder?
The most common cause of bipolar disorder is due to the misfire of neurons or nerve cells within the brain cortex. This misfire of nerves can be brought upon by a variety of factors including genetics, substance abuse, prescription drug abuse, or other health issues..
How can you tell if someone is bipolar?
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. If you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder, there are some telltale signs to look for..
Can bipolar people love?
This question has been discussed in depth in the book ‘A life unfolding’ by Niki F. Raapana. “People misconstrue the stability and evenness of my moods with a kind of detachment. Some even suggest that because I’m so even-keeled, I’m incapable of loving passionately. But I disagree. I think it’s possible to be both bipolar and in love. I think it’s even more possible to be bipolar and in love than to be in love without being bipolar.”.
What are the signs of bipolar in a woman?
Signs of bipolar in a woman can be similar to signs of depression in a woman, but bipolar disorder is different in a few ways. Brain chemistry is serious business. It controls your moods, your energy levels, and your ability to function in social settings. How do you know if your girlfriend is bipolar? How can you tell if she’s just a difficult person to love?.
Can bipolar go away?
Generally speaking, bipolar disorder is an illness that is long-term. The illness can only be controlled, but not cured. However, with proper management and help, most people with bipolar disorder can lead productive and satisfying lives. The first step in treating bipolar disorder is to work with a doctor who can identify and evaluate the symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is medication, which can help control manic episodes, prevent depressive episodes and reduce the likelihood of future mood swings. Many people with bipolar disorder also benefit from social support and counseling..
What are the 5 types of bipolar disorder?
Before the development of atypical antipsychotics the mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder was the “mood stabilizing” medication lithium. Lithium had been used for many years to control mania and was found to reduce the occurrence of manic and depressive episodes. The main problem with lithium is that it causes unpleasant side effects which often cause patients to discontinue treatment. Lithium is a salt which needs to be kept in balance in the body. If a lithium salt builds up in the body (too much of it) there is a risk of a toxic reaction and death. This is called ‘lithium toxicity’ and is a big problem particularly in the elderly..
When does bipolar show up?
A person who suffers from bipolar disorder displays manic and depressive phases. A person can exhibit signs of this disorder from the age of 10 to even 40 years. There are also such cases where symptoms only appeared in late adulthood..
How do you deal with a bipolar person?
This is a complicated question, with a lot of variables depending on who it is, what their situation is, and what their condition is. So the best things you can do is to be as patient as you can, and as understanding as possible. I had a friend from high school who was bipolar, and we didn’t really know it until he started doing a lot of drugs and dropped out of school. He had a lot of problems with his family and was having trouble coping with life. When we found out he was bipolar, we were able to be a lot more understanding. He would go from being nice one day, to yelling and screaming the next day. We learned that that wasn’t really the person we knew, but it was the bipolar disorder instead. We learned how to deal with it, and now are very understanding and supportive of him, and even go to his appointments with him when he needs someone..
Are you born with bipolar?
Although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, research suggests that genes and brain chemistry play an important role. Scientists are looking at specific genes that may be associated with bipolar disorder. It is believed that there is a biological vulnerability. But this vulnerability is not enough to develop the disorder. There is a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that act together to cause the disorder. Family history seems to play a role in the development of the disorder..
How long does a bipolar episode last?
I am actually not sure how long a bipolar episode lasts, but I think it should last for at least two weeks. If it lasts for less than two weeks, then it cannot be a true bipolar episode. You see, manic episodes are usually long, lasting for a certain period of time. However, depressive episodes are usually short. Some people even say that depressive episodes last for only a few hours. But I am not sure about this. I am sorry I will not be able to answer this question better..
Does Bipolar worsen with age?
If you are bipolar, there is a high probability that you will remain bipolar until the end of your lives. Even though your bipolar symptoms might get worse with age, the disorder itself tends to remain the same. You will still experience some of the typical symptoms of bipolar disorder, including depressive episodes, hypomanic episodes and manic episodes..
Are bipolar people smart?
Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a mental condition that leads to extreme mood changes. People with bipolar disorder experience wide mood swings, from mania and elation to depression. Mania is a feeling of extreme happiness and excitement, while depression is a feeling of extreme sadness and despair. People who have bipolar disorder have mood swings that last for days or weeks at a time. They may experience several episodes of mania and depression in their lifetime..
