0
Bipolar illness affects nearly 5.7 million people in the United States. The disorder is the sixth leading cause of disabilities across the globe and can significantly effect the lives of those diagnosed. The following information can dispel stereotypes about this mental illness.
What is Bipolar Disorder?Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by severe mood swings. The bipolar spectrum consists of several types of the disorder that are differentiated by the severity of symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?Bipolar I disorder is marked by mood swings that cause a significant disturbance in daily life and relationships. Patients diagnosed with bipolar II disorder experience mood swings but are still able to function normally and have relatively health relationships. A type of bipolar illness called cyclothymic disorder is characterized by more mild mood swings.
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, patients often report feeling a sense of euphoria, have an increased sex drive and are easily distracted. They may also engage in risky behavior, including going on shopping sprees or drug or alcohol binges. Agitation, aggression, racing thoughts and rapid speech are also common during the manic phase.
The depressive phase is marked by feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, guilt and irritability. Patients in this phase may have suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harming behavior. Others may find it difficult to concentrate, experience a reduced appetite, have trouble sleeping or suffer from chronic pain with no apparent cause.
What are the Causes of Bipolar Disorder?Doctors are still not sure what causes the disorder but have identified some factors that may trigger the mood swings. During mood swings, the brain goes through a physical change that may be caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters. Hormonal imbalances and genetics may also play a role. People who are closely related to someone that has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Is Bipolar a disorder or illness?
a disorder
What was Kurt cobain's mental illness?
Bipolar
What mental illness did Buzz Aldrin have?
Bipolar disorder
Manic depressive illness is also known as?
Bipolar disorder
What is the worst mental illness?
Bipolar I Disorder (mot to be confused with Bipolar II). Highest suicide rate, mania, to include hallucinations and hearing voices, often violence. Bipolar I disorder also includes hypomania and severe depression. The term "Bipolar" at one time was known as Manic Depressive Illness. Currently, the name for the illness has come to include, erroneously, the Bipolar II. Bipolar II does not have the element of mania that Bipolar I does. Actually Bipolar II does have a manic element, but it is hypomanic, which is a lot less severe than the mania of Bipolar I. A lot of people, like me, start out as Bipolar II but become Bipolar I when they have their first full-blown manic attack (I prefer attack to episode because that's what it is--an attack on the mind).
If you have go bipolar do you have to go to school?
Yes, bipolar disorder is a treatable illness that can be controlled quite well with medication and therapy.
Is bipolar considered a psychiatric illness?
A mental ailment known as bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression) results in unusual swings in mood, energy, activity level, focus, and the capacity to perform daily chores. Bipolar disorder comes in three forms.
What are some other names for bipolar affective disease?
Other names for bipolar affective disease include manic-depressive disorder, cyclothymia, manic-depressive illness (MDI), and bipolar disorder.
Is a person bipolar that copies everything you do?
no. BiPolar is a metnatl illness Bi meaning two, they have Two poles of mood Manic and Depressive. Look it up.
What is another name for manic depression illness?
Manic depression, or manic depressive disorder is nowadays more commonly known as Bipolar disorder or Bipolar affective disorder. It can also be referred to as Hypomania due to public unawareness.
What mental illness did Ozzy osborne have?
I believe he's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Is depression and bipolar an illness or a disorder?
both, one always has the disorder even when not ill
