Bipolar Disorder

By: Seb & Ben

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in:

Mood Energy Activity Ability to do day to day

tasks

Also Known as manic-depressive illness

Known for dramatic shifts in mood i.e. from manic to depressive

Causes

Biological factors:

-Hereditary (passed down through genes)

-Failure, over activity or dysfunction in neurotransmitters

-Abnormal thyroid function

-May be dormant for long periods of time before symptoms present

Environmental factors:

-Traumatic event

-Substance Abuse (not a cause but can worsen symptoms)

Symptoms Symptoms can vary widely based on the person:

Manic-Feeling hopeless or sad

-Irritability

-Fatigue

-Sleep problems

-Impaired judgment

Depressive-Feeling extremely optimistic

-Racing thoughts

-Inability to concentrate

-Little sleep but lots of energy

-Thoughts of suicide

Triggers

• A Trigger with bipolar disorder is something that triggers symptoms to present or switch (whether Manic or Depressive)

-Stress

-Drug abuse

-Lack of sleep

-Medication

Non Physical effects

Having bipolar disorder can make it very difficult to:

-maintain relationships

-maintain friendships

-maintain conversation

-go about your day

This a main cause of depression and it is crucial to seek help

Treatment

• Medication:• -Prescribed medication can help lessen symptoms

• Seek professional help:• -long term help from a professional can help regulate

sleep, eating patterns and accepting medication

• Self Help:• -Avoid high stress

• -Accept you’re disorder and make healthy choices

• -Monitor Moods

Sources

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm

http://health.kerals.com/beauty/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/anti-depression-medication.jpg

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

http://www.nurseland.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/bipolar-disorder.jpg