Bipolar Disorder:
Two Sides of the Same Person

Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression.

Bipolar mood disorder normally begins anytime between late adolescence to early adulthood. Onset of bipolar disorder is extreme rare for adults age 70 years older. Children can also suffer from bipolar disorder, and sadly their moods swings are believed to be more pronounced than it is for adults.

Studies show that more than two million Americans have some form of bipolar mood disorder. This form of depression affects men and women equally, meaning that there is almost no difference in the number of men as against women who are affected by bipolar disorder.

There is strong evidence pointing to heredity as a cause of bipolar disorders. Children of bipolar patients stand a strong chance of being affected, as are siblings. Psychological and physical factors are also believed to play a role in who develop bipolar disorders.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are cyclical, that is, they appear in cycles and are therefore not always present.

In bipolar disorder the first stage symptoms points to depression, while second stage signs referred to as manic stage symptoms makes diagnosis easier.

The first stage signs of bipolar disorder are:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Sleeping for long periods and still feeling tired
• Having suicidal thoughts
• Cries easily without apparent cause

The second stage signs of bipolar disorder are

• Lack of concentration
• Increased sex drive
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Obvious agitation

Disruption of marriages, job lost and other major disruptions can result from bipolar disorder. The reason being that the person affected by this disease tends to have what is commonly referred to as 'delusions of grandeur'.

The major problem with treating bipolar disorders is the unwillingness of the patient to take depression medication. Most persons affected with bipolar disorder do not think there is anything wrong with them and as such refuse to take medication or attend counseling sessions.

Treatment normally calls for stabilizing the moods swings of the individual. Lithium, carbamazepine and valproate are normally used for mood control. This drug also helps to suppress further recurrence of bipolar mood disorders.

Bright-light treatment is being used to treat bipolar disorder associated with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

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