Saturday, April 10, 2010

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - What You Need to Know

Bipolar disorder is a condition that is estimated to affect one in every forty five people, yet many people do not understand this behavioral abnormality. The most common symptom of this affliction is drastic mood changes that range from to severe depression to manic episodes.

Symptoms can vary from each individual and both men and women suffer equally from this disease. Because this illness is often misdiagnosed, many people suffer needlessly without receiving the proper treatment. This condition can be successfully treated once it is properly diagnosed.

Many people can function fully and live their lives as normally as possible when the proper medication has been prescribed.

Major episodes of depression are a part of this illness that can often make it hard for the patient to function and to lead a normal life. There are many different signs of depression and they can include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, anxiety, anger, loss of appetite and disturbances in sleep patterns.

A person who is suffering from this type of depression may have thoughts of suicide and it is important for them to seek medical care. In the most severe cases of depression, a patient may even become psychotic and become unable to function.

The other major symptom of this affliction is the manic episodes that one can experience. During this type of episode one may become irrational, irritable and experience an elevated mood state.

They become easily distracted and their judgment may become severely impaired causing them to make abnormal decisions or to turn to alcohol or drugs. The patient may feel that they are losing control or that they are unstoppable.

Again, the symptoms can vary from each individual and some patients even feel a sense of total euphoria. Sometimes these patients must be hospitalized during a manic episode to treat the symptoms and to keep them under control.

Scientists believe that bipolar disorder can be caused by genetics and from environmental influences. There are many different treatment options that are available and the most common treatment is a mood stabilizer drug such as Lithium Carbonate.

Patients who suffer from this disorder may be able to recognize the signs that they are about to experience an episode and they can seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is possible to live a fully functional life when suffering from this disease, but it is necessary to work with a qualified physician who is knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Add to Technorati Favorites Bookmark and Share

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About This Blog

Bipolar disorder symptoms can sometimes be confused with normal depression and are not quite understood many people. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder and is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder symptoms can vary, but almost always are very extreme. Here are some ways that will help you understand bipolar disorder symptoms

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