Let's Talk Facts About Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
He felt good. Really good. Better than good, actually...nearly invincible. He felt like he had limitless energy and could go without sleep for days. He was full of ideas and plans and would be frustrated by the inability of others to keep up with him. He could barely express one thought before barreling onto another at a dizzying pace that would leave his listeners bewildered. But then there were the times when he felt sad. But it was more than that. The burden of life felt too heavy, too daunting to face. Nothing cheered him up. All the things he loved no longer gave him pleasure. At times his feelings of despair were so great he would even consider suicide. He often wondered how he could feel so unbelievably good at some times and so horribly bad at others. Is it possible for one person to experience such emotional extremes?
Yes, and it’s not uncommon. This person has an illness called bipolar disorder, in which moods swing drastically from the depths of depression to the intense highs of mania. Commonly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder will affect nearly one in 100 people at some point in their lives. There are generally periods of normal mood as well, but left untreated, the moods will continue to swing from one extreme to the other.
Symptoms: Manic Phase
- Feeling on top of the world. A sensation of sheer and utter happiness that nothing - not even bad news or a horrifying event or tragedy - can change.
- Grandiose delusions. Individuals imagine that they have special connections with God, celebrities, or political leaders.
- Invincibility. The person feels that nothing can prevent him or her from accomplishing any task.
- Hyperactivity. Scheduling more events in a day than can be accomplished; inability to relax or sit still.
- Excessively risky behavior. Reckless driving, outlandish spending sprees, foolish business investments, or out-of-character sexual behavior.
- Uncontrollable racing thoughts/rapid speech. Ideas that abruptly change from topic to topic expressed in loud, rapid speech that becomes increasingly incoherent.
- Less need for sleep.
- Sudden irritability or rage, particularly when grandiose plans are thwarted.
Symptoms: Depressed Phase
- Intense sadness or despair. The person feels helpless, hopeless, and worthless.
- No interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Loss of energy, fatigue.
- Sleep difficulties. Either sleeping too much or not at all.
- Changes in appetite. Either a noticeable increase in appetite or a substantial weight loss unrelated to dieting.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Constant thoughts of death or suicide.
What Causes the Illness?
Bipolar disorder can run in families, so there is a high likelihood that there is a genetic cause for the illness. In fact, 80%–90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with either depression or bipolar disorder, a rate that is 10 to 20 times higher than that found in the general population. Noteworthy dates, incidents of trauma, or even everyday occurrences are other important factors that can trigger episodes of illness and sustain them.
Research has pointed to events occurring within the body as possible causes of bipolar disorder. Suggested causes include an irregular production or release of hormones and imbalances in the ways brain cells communicate.
Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated?
Absolutely. Although the illness can become quite disabling, bipolar disorder is very treatable. Unfortunately, there is a high probability that people with bipolar disorder will not comply with the treatment they are given, particularly when they are in a manic phase and "feeling good." However, treatment is essential at all stages of the illness and must be strictly followed if a successful outcome is to be reached.
Lithium is commonly given to stabilize the manic phase of the illness and prevent future swings in mood. Other medications are available if lithium is ineffective. All medications can have side effects and must be carefully monitored. Some possible side effects of medication include weight gain, excessive thirst, stomach problems, hand tremors, and muscle weakness. But with proper monitoring, medication has returned thousands of people to leading productive lives that would not otherwise have been possible.
Like all serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s life and relationships with others, particularly with spouses and family members. Thus, people undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder can also benefit from psychotherapy, in which the individual and a psychiatrist work out the problems and re-establish relationships damaged by the illness. Since bipolar disorder can cause serious disruptions and create an intensely stressful family situation, family members may also benefit from professional resources, particularly mental health advocacy groups. From these sources families not only learn strategies to help them cope with their ill family member but also learn to be an active part of the treatment.
Other Sources of Information
DEPRESSION/Awareness, Recognition, Treatment (D/ART)
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10C-03
ParklawnBuilding
Rockville, MD20857
(301) 443-3747
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
200 North Glebe Road, Suite 1015
Arlington, VA22203-3754
(703) 524-7600
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
730 N. Franklin, Suite 501
Chicago, IL60610
(312) 642-0049
National Institute of Mental Health Division of Communications
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7-99
Rockville, MD20857
(301) 443-4536
National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA22314-2971
(703) 684-7722