Bipolar+Disorder

= BIPOLAR DISORDER ﻿ =

[[image:bipolar-disorder-main.jpg width="164" height="176" align="right"]] What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which people suffer through periods of extreme depression and extreme happiness. There are actually two types of Bipolar Disorder. Type 1 Bipolar Disorder is more severe and usually includes a single manic episode surrounded by multiple periods of deep depression. Type 2 Bipolar Disorder is less severe and instead experiences hypomania, which switches with episodes of depression. During the episodes of depression, people often experience daily low mood, persistent sadness, eating disturbances, suicidal thoughts, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, and loss of self-esteem. Episodes of Mania often include agitation or irritation, reckless behavior, hyperactivity, and over-inflated self-esteem, which may result in a belief in special abilities.

General Public Perception.
People often have difficulty recognizing and dealing with others who suffer from Bipolar Disorder. They often can't tell if someone has the disorder or if they are simply in a bad mood. A thought often believed by people who do not struggle with bipolar disorder is that if someone has mood swings they are bipolar..this is a myth. People of all ages have mood swings and is natural there have to be other factors taken into consideration when discussing the diagnostic of bipolar disorder. Other myths often believed is if one parent struggles with mania so will the child or that bipolar disorder is not curable.

Causes of the Disorder.
As of now, there is no known cause for Bipolar Disorder. It is hereditary, but scientists have not yet located what gene passes the trait down. It is not a guarentee that you will or will not get the disorder from a relative. Sometimes the disorder will skip a generation. It is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15-25, most commonly women. It appears in women more frequently due to the fact that women are more open to communication about their feelings.

What treatments are available as well as controversies about the treatments?
There are many possible treatments for Bipolar Disorder such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, lithium and valproic acid are often used as mood stabilizers. Doctors and specialists also suggest to avoid the need for a hospital stay, reduce the severity and frequency of episodes and try to prevent self destructive behavior.

Does the Disorder Link to Others?
Bipolar Disorder can be linked to other disorders and health problems such as depression and mood disorders. Suicidal behavior can be more common. Also found related to Bipolar Disorder is the use of alcohol and drug abuse. @Anti-Social @Depression @General Anxiety Disorder "Bipolar Disorder - PubMed Health." // PubMed Health //. 21 Mar. 2010. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. .