Bipolar disorder is also commonly referred to as manic depression. This term comes from the cycling that occurswith this mental disorder, from extremely depressed to a very euphoric, or manic state. Bipolar disorder isestimated to affect approximately 3% of adults.

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, and it’s difficult to distinguish from classical depression. The keydifference is that those individuals with bipolar disorder will also experience manic episodes, which are phases ofelevated mood or euphoria. These manic phases can include hallucinations, delusions of grandeur, racing thoughts,increased energy and a decreased need for sleep. In some cases, a manic episode can involve irritation, anxiety, oraggravation rather than the overwhelming happy feelings typically associated with mania.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include distinct altering phases of depression and mania. During a majordepressive episode, typical depression symptoms are present, including feelings of sadness, loss of energy, lack ofinterest in otherwise enjoyable activities, loneliness and apathy.

Interestingly, the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder may not be enough to diagnose this disorder, due to theoccasional presence of hypomania or a mixed affective episode. Hypomania is a mild manic episode and a mixedaffective episode is a simultaneous occurrence of mania and depression. Both of these instances can makediagnosis increasingly difficult, because the normally distinct presence of manic and depressive episodes is blurred.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is classified as an adult onset mood disorder, although some studies have indicated the presence ofbipolar disorder in children. Due to the recognition of the possibility of early onset, the incidence of diagnoses ofbipolar disorder in children has increased over the past several decades. Bipolar disorder is a serious psychiatricdiagnosis that requires attention to avoid significant impacts on relationships, career, and daily functioning.

Bipolar disorder treatment can involve the use of pharmaceuticals and/or psychotherapy. Lithium is the standardpharmaceutical bipolar disorder treatment, although it’s necessary to monitor kidney and thyroid function forpotential abnormalities during use of this medication. Psychotherapy can be a very effective bipolar disordertreatment, offering mechanisms for recognizing episode triggers.

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, or have experienced a manic or majordepressive episode, take action now to take back control of your life. Bipolar disorder can often leave a personfeeling out of control, in both depressive and manic states, and patients often do things they would not do undernormal circumstances. Don’t risk ruining your career or your most important relationships.

Here at Megavista, we focus on the positive, holistic approach to health. Learn how you could start controlling yourbipolar disorder symptoms today!

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Treatment

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