WHAT IS BIPOLAR SYNDROME?

Bipolar Syndrome is an enormously detailed and complex mental disorder, and this article can only scratch the surface.  It will give you a brief introduction to the signs of bipolar, the different types of bipolar disorder, and bipolar treatments.

Bipolar syndrome, also known as manic-depression, is a biochemical brain disorder that leaves the victim unable to regulate their emotions.  They swing back and forth between three emotional points.  The first is a normal balanced mood.  The second is mania, where they feel wonderful, full of energy and confidence, and on top of the world.  This is often followed immediately by the third emotional point, an irrational and severe depression where life seems hopeless and the everyday world too much to bear.

Depending on the severity, bipolar syndrome can seriously impact someone’s ability to function in life.  It can lead to poor school or job performance, damaged personal relationships, and even lead all too often to suicide.

SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR SYNDROME

Signs of bipolar syndrome often start in late adolescence or early adulthood, although they have been known to start both in childhood and in later life.

Symptoms of Mania include:

• Increased energy levels and restlessness, even difficulty sleeping
• A cheerful, happy, even euphoric mood
• Supreme confidence, including unrealistic evaluations of their abilities
• Racing thoughts
• Talking very fast
• Jumping from topic to another in conversation
• Difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted
• Heightened irritability
• Aggressive, intolerant, or intrusive behavior
• Poor judgment
• Increased sex drive, including promiscuity and risky sexual behavior
• Substance abuse (alcohol, stimulants, sleeping pills, etc.)
• Speeding sprees
• Denial that anything is wrong

Symptoms of Depression include:

• Consistently feeling anxious, sad, or "empty"
• Pessimism and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy (including sex)
• Low energy levels and fatigue
• Sleeping too much, or inability to sleep
• Change in appetite and/or gaining/losing weight
• Heightened irritability
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior

BIPOLAR 1 DISORDER vs. BIPOLAR 2 DISORDER

There are two main types of bipolar syndrome.  Bipolar 1 disorder, also known as the "raging bipolar", manifests as one or extreme manic episodes.  Although the victim may not experience severe depressive episodes (and they are not required for diagnoses), they frequently occur as well.  The most extreme cases of Type 1 Bipolar Syndrome result in the victim’s thinking being affected by their mood, and they lose their grip on reality.  They may experience auditory or visual hallucinations.  They may believe they have been "chosen" or are on a "special mission", and feel unstoppable, or even as if they can’t control their actions.

Bipolar 2 disorder, also known as the "swinging bipolar", manifests as more mild manic episodes (known as "hypomania") along with at least one major depressive episode (both mania and depression is required for diagnosis).  This type is less disruptive to the victim’s life and their ability to function, nor do they experience hallucinations or a psychotic break with reality.  Although less damaging, this type is harder to recognize and diagnose, as victims may consider it to be only "normal" mood swings.

BIPOLAR TREATMENTS

Unfortunately, bipolar syndrome is a chronic mental illness—it can be managed, but never cured.  However, a combination of medication, education, and counseling can control the symptoms of bipolar syndrome and allow victims to live stable, productive lives.

The most common type of medication for bipolar syndrome is a class of drugs known as "mood stabilizers".  The most common are Lithium and Valproate.  Although the patient will still experience normal up and down mood swings, the medication should prevent the extremes of mania and depression.  Antidepressants may also be prescribed temporarily to treat depressive episodes that break through the mood stabilizers.

Medication should always be used in combination with counseling.  Counseling may include psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychosocial therapy.  Psychoeducation involves teaching the victim and their families about bipolar syndrome, and how to recognize and manage the symptoms.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches patients to recognize and change inappropriate or negative thoughts (and consequent behaviors).  Finally, psychosocial therapy teaches patients how to maintain and improve their interpersonal relationships.

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