What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of mania or a manic episode:

Mood Changes

• A long period of feeling “high,” or an overly happy or outgoing mood
• Extreme irritability

Behavioral Changes

• Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts
• Being easily distracted
• Increasing activities, such as taking on new projects
• Being overly restless
• Sleeping little or not being tired
• Having an unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
• Behaving impulsively and engaging in pleasurable, high-risk behaviors

Symptoms of depression or a depressive episode:

Mood Changes

• An overly long period of feeling sad or hopeless
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Behavioral Changes

• Feeling tired or “slowed down”
• Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Being restless or irritable
• Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits
• Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide.

Diagnosis

1. Bipolar I Disorder—defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
2. Bipolar II Disorder—defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic or mixed episodes.
3. Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS)—diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person’s normal range of behavior.
4. Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia—a mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least 2 years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other type of bipolar disorder.

Living With

If you know someone who has bipolar disorder, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do is help him or her get the right diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make the appointment and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment.

To help a friend or relative, you can:

• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement
• Learn about bipolar disorder so you can understand what your friend or relative is experiencing
• Talk to your friend or relative and listen carefully
• Listen to feelings your friend or relative expresses and be understanding about situations that may trigger bipolar symptoms
• Invite your friend or relative out for positive distractions, such as walks, outings, and other activities
• Remind your friend or relative that, with time and treatment, he or she can get better.

Information from NAMI website (for more information please visit it here).