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Bipolar Disorder(Manic-Depressive Illness; Manic Depression; Manic Disorder; Manic Affective Disorder)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionBipolar disorder is a mental health condition. It is extreme swings in mood and energy. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more severe than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships and make it hard to succeed at work or school. Bipolar disorder swings between mania and depression. Mania is an increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep. The mood may be overly happy or irritable. Depression is a down mood with heavy fatigue and irritability. There are 4 forms of bipolar disorder:
CausesThe exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Changes in genes may change how the brain works.
Risk FactorsThe risk of bipolar disease is higher if another family member has it. SymptomsSymptoms include:
Mania may cause:
Depression may cause:
Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be associated with psychotic symptoms, such as:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Lab tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. A mental health specialist will help to diagnosis bipolar disorder. It will be based on the history of symptoms. Episodes of mania or depression will also be diagnosed as they occur. Symptoms will need to last a period of time and be severe enough to interfere with day to day life. TreatmentTreatment may help to ease mood swings . It can help to decrease effect on day to day life and avoid major complications. MedicineMedicine called mood stabilizers is the main treatment for bipolar disorder. Some may be used during a crisis such as severe depression. Others may help with long term control. The exact plan will be based on individual needs. A medical team will work to find the medicines that have the most benefits and smallest risks. Bipolar disorder medicine may include:
Treatment should prevent major mood swings. It may take some time to find the best treatment plan. PsychotherapyPsychotherapy can give patients and their families support and help with treatment plan. Therapy may include:
It can help people stay on track with their treatment plan. Other TherapySome manic or depressive episodes can be severe. Some may also have frequent bipolar cycles. Medicine and therapy may not be effective for this. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses controlled electrical currents to reset the brain. It may be a treatment option for those with severe problems. PreventionThe cause of bipolar disorder is not clear so there are no steps to prevent it. RESOURCES:Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.dbsalliance.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org References:
Bipolar disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bipolar-disorder
. Accessed August 14, 2020.
Bipolar disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at:
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder. Accessed August 14, 2020. Bipolar disorder in adults. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Accessed August 14, 2020.
4/29/2011 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bipolar-disorder
: Nivoli AM, Colom F, Murru A, et al. New treatment guidelines for acute bipolar depression: a systematic review.
J Affect Disord.
2011;129(1-3):14-26.
Last reviewed April 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 04/07/2021 | |