Signs to Watch for Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolarity is a mood disorder that affects 5.7 million Americans over the age of 18. It is characterized by severe moods swings, from elation (referred to as mania) to severe depression, which has earned bipolarity the name of manic-depressive disorder. Changes in mood may happen rapidly, sometimes as often a several cycles per day (which is called rapid-cycling bipolar disorder), or gradually over the course of weeks or months.

Identification

• To be diagnosed as bipolar, a person must exhibit periods of mania and depression. The symptoms of mania include feelings of euphoria with increased energy but surprisingly little need for sleep. At this stage, the person appears energized, and and may seem driven to complete tasks. It is not unusual for the person to take on a new project and work to complete it without taking breaks or even stopping to eat. The person will generally feel good, and will deny there is anything wrong with his behavior. Others may experience mania with bouts of extreme energy accompanied by irritability and the inability to concentrate. The person may talk nonstop and jump from one topic to another, and may have delusions of her own power. She may become extremely aggressive, experience heightened sex drive and abuse drugs.

  During a depressive episode, the person may be overcome with feelings of worthlessness and utter despair. The inability to sleep or the tendency to oversleep are often present. Difficulty with mental tasks such as memory and concentration may impair his ability to make decisions. Suicide attempts and suicidal talk are common.

Considerations

• Bipolarity can mimic schizophrenia in severe cases, as hallucinations and delusions are possible. These psychotic symptoms tend to reflect the phase of the cycle. If the person is in a state of mania, she may believe she is an important figure like the president; when in a depressive state, she may imagine that she has committed unforgivable crimes. This has led to many people being misdiagnosed.

Theories/Speculation

• Bipolarity is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Although it does run in families, there is no one gene that appears to be the cause. It is possible that a combination of genes puts a person at higher risk. According to MedicineNet.com, studies conducted of identical twins indicate that if one twin is bipolar, the chances of the other developing the condition are greater than those of another sibling. If bipolarity were purely genetic, both of the identical twins would develop the disorder. There is also some evidence that the brains of bipolar individuals may be structured differently from those who do not have the disorder, but more research is needed in this area.

Prevention/Solution

• Bipolarity is treated with mood stabilizers that generally need to be taken regularly over extended periods of time, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Additional medication may be prescribed to treat manic episodes and periods of depression.

Potential

• Many bipolar people are able to lead healthy and happy lives when the disorder is identified and treated properly. As long as the patient follows his doctor's recommendations and continues all medications, the condition often remains under control. Failure to take medication as directed often results in increased difficulty in stabilizing mood and controlling the effects of the illness.