Summary of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes mood swings from an elevated or irritable mood to depression. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but this condition is highly treatable.

Symptoms

• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania and episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder causes psychological and physical symptoms including insomnia, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Mania

• According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), a manic episode causes persistently elevated or irritable moods, euphoria, restlessness, impulsivity, insomnia, elevated self-esteem, racing thoughts, and increased talkativeness. Increased involvement in goal-oriented and pleasure-seeking behavior without regard to the consequences is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Hypomania is a milder form of a manic episode.

Depression

• Depression is characterized by a depressed or irritable mood, loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, hopelessness, fatigue, helplessness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia or sleeping more than usual, loss of appetite, and suicidal thoughts.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of manic episodes, and may or may not have episodes of depression as well. Bipolar II disorder causes episodes of depression and mixed or hypomanic episodes. Though bipolar III is not an official diagnosis, it is sometimes used to refer to manic episodes caused by anti-depressants.

Treatment

• Bipolar disorder often becomes worse if left untreated. Bipolar disorder treatment commonly includes a combination of psychiatric medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy. For people suffering from both mania and depression, a mood-stabilizing medication and an anti-depressant are often prescribed.