Information on Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive illness)

(also called manic-depressive disorder)*Manic depression has typically used to represent a large group of mental illnesses and as systems of organization are now becoming more advanced, the new term of bipolar disorder gives more clarity in a diagnosis and is more of a clinical term, Manic depression has also been greatly stigmatized. Think about popular phrases like "manic Monday", "homicidal maniac". The term manic depression also excludes the cyclothymic or hypomanic (bipolar II disorder) versions of Bipolar disorder.

 Bipolar disorder is a medical condition where people have extreme mood swings. Not only affecting mood, but thoughts, behaviour and how someone functions.
Those affected by bipolar disorder switch between 3 emotional states: Severe highs -in the absence of drugs or alcohol (The mania), times of normal mood, and severe lows (the depression). 

During the manic phase, you may seem abnormally happy or high to others around you. In order to be diagnosed with a manic episode, you must have at least 4 of the following symptoms interfering with your day-to-day life for at least a week at a time:

- Talking so fast that others can't follow
- Racing thoughts, have trouble concentrating
- Thoughts that jump from idea to idea, being highly distractable
- Needing little or no sleep at all and yet have a ton of energy and strength
- Taking part in unnecessary pleasurable activities and reckless behaviour
- Psychotic symptoms (in severe cases) hallucinations or delusions
- Having an exaggerated feeling of power or greatness 

During the depressive phase, you may feel a drawn-out sense of hopelessness or sadness. Symptoms same as those of clinical depression.
(ex. loss of interest in activities, crying for no reason, slow thoughts, difficulty thinking or remembering, low energy, weakness and tiredness etc.)

So as you can see the two are very extreme highs and lows, what may feel like an emotional rollercoster.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1% of the population; it typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects men and women equally.

It is not really known what causes bipolar disorder. There is evidence that bipolar disorder can be genetic, caused by stress or traumatic events, and even drug abuse can trigger or contribute to episodes of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is potentially a serious illness that does not get better over time and without treatment. Even though between episodes some people can function totally normal. Without treatment the disease gets worse over time.

There are many forms of treating bipolar disorder such as medications, and therapy and peer support groups. Sometimes electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is used when suicide risk is high or if medications have been ineffective. It is a safe and highy effective treatment.

It is so important to know that depression and bipolar disorder are treatable! Friends and family can be supportive  by learning all they can about the condition affecting their loved one.
You can learn more from support groups and community health associations. Here are some great websites providing great information bipolar disorder, and treatment available!


http://www.simcoecountycoalition.ca
http://www.mooddisorders.on.ca
http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca