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What is Bipolar Disorder?
It's a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder has periods of:
- Mania. a frantic 'high.' Ther person has an oversupply of confidence and energy, which often leads to reckless behavior.
- Depression. a devastating 'low.' The person has little interest in things that are usually enjoyable. He or she can barely function.
- Normal Moods. these occur between episodes of mania and depression.
Why Should I Learn Aboubt Bipolar Disorder?
Because you or someone you know may be affected by it.
Without Treatment, Bipolar Disorder can Ruin Lives. It can lead to:
- mental suffering
- problems with family, friends and co-workers
- poor job performance
- financial disaster
- death from reckless behavior or suicide
In fact, it's one of the most treatable
of all mental illnesses.
Learn More...
People with Bipolar Disorder are on an Emotional Roller Coaster
During the Manic Phase, the person may:
- feel on top of the world
- be overconfident
- have delusions -- for example, the person may believe he or she has a special relationship with a famous person
- be hyperactive and plan to many activities for a given time period
- sleep less, without feeling tired
- be easily irritated
- have racing thoughts and talk on and on at a fast pace
- lack judgement, which can lead to reckless driving, unwise investments or other harmful behavior
- be easily distracted
- feel worthless, helpless
- lose all interest in people and activities
- lose or gain weight
- feel tired all the time
- sleep more than usual, or have trouble sleeping
- have trouble concentrating
- have unexplained aches and pains
- think about death, or attempt suicide
The only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to
have a complete physical and mental examination.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Scientists are not completely sure, but these factors may play a role:
- Heredity. Bipolar Disorder may run in families. Studies show that people who inherit a certain gene are more likely to develop the illness.
- Chemical Changes. Researchers are studying chemical changes in the brain to see how these changes may be linked to bipolar disorder.
- Manic or Depressive Episodes may be triggered by money problems, physical illness or other stressors.
There are different kinds of treatment.
- Lithium Carbonate is the drug often used to treat bipolar disorder. The drug appears to work by affecting certain chemical messengers in the brain.
- Side Effects are Possible, as with any drug. Be sure to discuss side effects with your psychiatrist or other physician, so you'll know what to expect.
- Close Monitoring of Lithium is Essential to prevent serious complications. Be sure to have blood tests and other lab work as your psychiatrist or other physician recommends.
- It Takes Time to Find the Right Dose of lithium for a patient. Don't give up! Many people with bipolar disorder use lithium successfully.
- Other Drugs May Also Be Prescribed. These may be used alone or in combination with lithium.
- If Any Drug is Prescribed for you, ask your psychiatrist or other physician about:
- possible side effects
- interactions with any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking -- or may take in the future.
- any precautions you should take (such as avoiding certain foods).
It's usually used in combination with medication. Therapy may help patients to:
- Learn New Ways to successfully relate to other people. Family members can leanr skills to help cope with symptoms of the disease until their loved one improves.
- Turn Negative Feelings about themselves and others into positive feelings.
involves sending a carefully controlled electrical current through the brain. It is considered a safe and effective treatment for severely depressed patients who:
- don't respond to drugs
- are unable to take certain drugs
- may attempt suicide
If you have bipolar disorder,
it's important that you:
- Take Medication as Directed. Don't skip a dose and don't double up if you forget a dose. Also, don't stop taking any medication unless you have your psychiatrist's or other physician's OK. Report all side effects.
- Tell Your Psychiatrist or Other Physician if you use Other Drugs. These include any over-the-counter drugs and alcohol. These substances may react dangerously with drugs prescribed for bipolar disorder.
- Report Any Other Medical Conditions. including pregnancy. It's best to avoid drug use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Discuss the risks with your psychiatrist or other physician.
- Carefully Follow Instructions About Diet. With some medications, avoiding certain foods is necessary to prevent serious -- even life-threatening -- side effects.
- Have Checkups and Lab Tests as Instructed. Remember -- blood tests are a must if you're taking lithium. They help your psychiatrist or other physician properly adjust the dosage.
- Attend Therapy Sessions as Recommended. Psychotherapy may help you learn to deal with any day-to-day problems related to bipolar disorder.
But, the effort is worth it!
Family and Friends Can Help, Too!
a loved one with bipolar disorder -- and themselves! For example:
Encourage the Person
to follow his or her treatment plan. It's the best way to control bipolar disorder.
Know the Signs
that indicate an episode of mania or depression is beginning. Have the person contact his or her health-care provider, or do so yourself, if necessary. Be Supportive
-- bipolar disorder can greatly damage a person's self-esteem. Do what you can to help the person think positively about him- or herself.
Get Help
if you need it, especially if the person talks about or threatens suicide. Call a health-care provider, hospital, or local crisis hotline. Wait with the person until help arrives.
Join or Start a Support Group
Support groups help families friends and caregivers deal with feelings of grief, anger and isolation.
Some Questions and Answers
- Is hospitalization for bipolar disorder necessary?
if the person is at risk of committing suicide or if his or her behavior threatens the safety of others, hospitalization may be necessary. - What's cyclothymic disorder?
It's a mood disorder characterized by periods of depression and a mild form of mania. It may last 2 years or more. Symptoms are not as severe or as long-lasting as those of bipolar disorder. - Are people with bipolar disorder able to work?
With proper treatment and support, a normal, productive life at work and home is possible.
can help you get the most out of life!
Help is Available
Remember -- reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you need help, you can contact:
Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center
1-479-452-6650 or
1-800-542-1031 (toll-free in Arkansas)
Your Family Health-Care Provider
A Psychiatrist or other mental health professional
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
200 North Glebe Road, Suite 105
Arlington, VA 22203-3754
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association
Suite 501, 730 North Franklin
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-0049
The National Mental Health Association
Mental Health Information Center
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
1-800-969-6642
Or check the phone book under 'Counseling,' 'Mental Health,' etc.
This information is not a substitute for an informed discussion with a mental health professional or your health-care provider about the procedures, information, symptoms, medications or diagnoses described on this page.