Article by Don Penven (Brandywine)

Most people experience emotional ups and downs, it’s all a part of our daily lives; But this condition has little resemblance to the mood changes associated with bipolar disorder. An individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience periods, or episodes of depression or mania. At times the individual may experience both during the same episode that include extreme swings in moods that vary from overwhelming joy and excitement to complete despair.

These attacks or episodes may last a few days, a week or more or for months. And it is possible for the individual to have bipolar disorder and still not experience depression. If left untreated, episodes that include manic behavior often build to a severity during which the individual simply cannot function.

The most frequent symptoms exhibited by an afflicted individual include their being agitated, irritable, angry or restless. The individual may talk rapidly and may have uncontrollable thoughts. The bipolar personality is easily distracted and seems to be unable to concentrate on a single activity.

The afflicted individual often exhibits an overly confident attitude coupled with an all-powerful feeling. Insomnia is often associated with this malady and the individual may go for days without sleep and then will sleep for extended periods-two, three or four days at a time.

When manic behavior is accompanied by depression, this condition may lead to the individual feeling threatened. In turn, the individual may reply with threatening behavior. Many people with bipolar disorder exhibit behavior problems – including drug or alcohol abuse – and they perform poorly on the job.Manic behavior is often accompanied by impulsive actions and use of very poor judgment. Manic individuals are often self-obsessed, and they will take extreme risks or make unrealistic judgments about their ability. Delusions and hallucinations may also accompany a manic episode.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment, even during periods of normalcy. Treatment is usually guided by a psychiatrist skilled in treating the condition. The treatment team should include psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses. The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications; individual, group or family psychological counseling (psychotherapy); or education and support groups.Hospitalization may be indicated if the individual acts dangerously, feels suicidal or becomes detached from reality. Not all people with bipolar disorder have an equal suicide risk. Investigators who examined records from more than 32,000 members of two large prepaid health plans who had been treated for bipolar disorder determined that men with bipolar made fewer suicide attempts than women but men were more likely than women to die when they did attempt suicide. The Initial treatment includes medications to balance moods swings. Once the symptoms are under control, a doctor will find the best long-term treatment.

Continued treatment or maintenance is used to manage bipolar disorder on a long-term basis. People who skip maintenance treatments are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or they may have minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.Substance abuse treatment may be necessary if there are problems with alcohol or drugs. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage the disorder.

A number of medications are indicated for bipolar disorder treatment. A doctor may suggest combining medications for maximum effect. Medications for bipolar disorder include those that prevent the extreme highs and lows that can occur with bipolar disorder (mood stabilizers) and medications that help with depression or anxiety. If any of the symptoms listed in this article for bipolar disorder are apparent, regardless of how minor they seem, steps must be taken to get help-because even the mildest symptoms can become severe. Bipolar disorder, if left untreated, can shatter a relationship, damage or even destroy careers, and destroy lives of the victim and even the lives of those close to the victim. It is an absolute must that treatment be sought from a qualified health care provider. With proper attention and treatment, those persons afflicted with bipolar disorder can lead productive, happy, and fulfilling lives.

If you are in a relationship with a person afflicted with bipolar disorder, I urge you to use the link below to meet someone with firsthand experience. Elizabeth Atlas has written the new book, “Married to Mania…”

This is the book you’ll read when you’ve already read and surfed countless Internet sites, read books and newsletters, attended bipolar support groups and exhausted the patience of family and friends-and you still don’t have the answers for YOU about the best way to maintain a relationship with a bipolar individual.

To hear Elizabeth’s story and how she handled her bipolar relationship:

Click Here!

About the Author

Don Penven is a freelance writer and professional photographer based in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC.

Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.

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Ready go over #oomfs before her Peoples get home,Please Pray I don’t get Caught up lol – by Bipolar_B (Mr.Smoke Alot of Pot)

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It’s raining?!? Huh!?!? Bipolar ass Miami weather! – by Exquisite_Rozay (_Rozay )

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Article by Tim Camacho

When you go through or listen to about bipolar disorder you might consider that it is a single nuts condition that does not have a heal. In the actual feeling there are 4 principal sorts of Bipolar issues labeled according to intensity and the styles.· Bipolar one problem – it is also referred to as bipolar i and bipolar type 1.This is the most extreme bipolar problem amongst the 4. A victim suffers a combined routine with a extended episode of depression.· Bipolar ii disorder – it is also known as the bipolar kind two or bipolar two.A victim may possibly turn out to be really destructive because of to the depression becoming a lot more intensive than the mania. The mania can even final for three days. The patient experiences at least 1 key depressive episode and a hippomaniac episode.· Cyclothymic problem- It is considered to be milder than Bipolar two and the client encounters varying episodes of depression and mania in their acute stages but are not severe. Their occurrence nonetheless, is not like in bipolar a single or bipolar ii but, they are considered to upgrade to 1 of them at a later stage.· Unspecified bipolar disorder- This is when a individual is experiencing episodes of mania and depression symptoms which can not be categorized in bipolar I neither bipolar 2 nor Cyclothymic condition. These victims are considered fortunate as they can recover completely from unspecified bipolar disorder.There are nonetheless two principal disorders that pros refer to. They are the first and 2nd.Bipolar Form (1)In Bipolar I problem the victim experiences mania this is the high degree of moods. In bipolar I the feeling or mood highness lasts for a week or over and above. During this time of mania, men and women have a sensation of self self-confident in their perform and hobbies. They find themselves with a good deal of vitality and devote most of the time doing things that they locate satisfying. This mood is accompanied with uncontrolled speech.Maniac episodes can show to loose touch with actuality and may well lead to the sufferer hurt in their partnership or function location. They may as properly as involve irritability and when the mood swings are too substantial health care advice is important.Bipolar Kind (2) The maniac and depressions also take place in this condition but the major difference is the fact that the mood elevation is significantly less serious and runs for a shorter time in contrast to bipolar I. The major traits of bipolar ii is the depression and feeling luck of vitality, guilt for points you haven’t completed and change in sleeping and eating designs.

About the Author

I have bipolar disorder now for a lot of many years. You also might have it and if you do, then it is time you get a bipolar examination from a physician.Select A Bipolar Assessment To, <a

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Bipolar Disorder: a short introductory guide

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Question by gloria: Any sites that speak against diagnosing bipolar disorder in children?
I have to write a paper on how ridiculous it is that children are suddenly being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and about how all celebrities that are out of control suddenly have “bipolar disorder.” I can’t find any sites that speak out against these things. Can you find any?

Best answer:

Answer by robertminidriver
Here is a bit of info:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/11/08/bipolar-over-diagnosis/

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Flight from Darkness focuses on the life of Percy Paul, from his dazzling rise and fall as a brilliant mathematician to his continuing struggle to prevail over his illness and realize his full potential. Please send me comments etc. Share with everyone Please.percylpaul@gmail.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Question by crazy: what do you think of when you hear “bipolar disorder”?

what kind of person comes to mind

Best answer:

Give your answer to this question below!

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Article by Julie A. Fast

Is it Moodiness or a Mood Disorder?How to Spot Potential Depression or Bipolar DisorderStep aside, ADD and anxiety–mood disorders are fast becoming the most talked-about illness of the decade. From sitcom characters and celebrities to everyday adults and children, more and more people are being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Still, thousands of others continue to suffer, undiagnosed and untreated. How do you know whether your moodiness is a normal reaction to life or the sign of a serious medical disorder? Before you head for the Prozac–or endure another day of undiagnosed misery–get the facts on these often misunderstood illnesses.There are two types of mood disorders: bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and depression (also known as unipolar depression). The symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in things that once brought pleasure, constant feelings of sadness and emptiness, and an inability to get things done. Bipolar disorder has all of the symptoms of depression as well as a mood swing called mania; people with bipolar disorder can cycle back and forth between the two states.Scientifically defined as a “pathologically elevated mood,” mania can create feelings of euphoria, omnipotence, or hyperarousal that are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. People with mania may experience extreme exhilaration and other seemingly “good” feelings, but the mania can also manifest as agitation, scattered thoughts, and feelings of extreme emotional discomfort. Depression and bipolar disorder share a range of other symptoms, including psychosis (a break with reality that can be characterized by hallucinations and distorted thoughts), irritation and anger, problems with attention and concentration (often misdiagnosed as ADD), and anxiety. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses or personality defects, and the real culprit–a serious mood disorder–is often misdiagnosed or brushed off. People with undiagnosed mood disorders often mistake their illness for a flaw in their character, and can spend years desperately trying to “get their acts together and lead lives like regular people” instead of seeking psychiatric evaluation for an illness.In reality, both depression and bipolar disorder are fairly easy to diagnose–once they are considered as real possibilities. Although a proper diagnosis must be made by a trained professional, here are some clues that may help you determine if your “moodiness” is a sign of a serious illness: Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of suicide are common among those suffering from serious depression. Whether action-oriented (I’m going to get a gun and shoot myself; I’m going to take a bottle of pills with a bottle of wine) or more passive (I wish I were dead; Things would be better if I were gone), suicidal thoughts are always a sign that a person’s brain chemistry is not functioning properly, and that professional help is needed immediately. Unnaturally elevated moods: Mania can be so sneaky. When a person who has been depressed suddenly feels the cloud lift, it’s natural to think that the depression has ended and that the person is finally “back to normal.” But for people with bipolar disorder, this is often the first stage of an unnatural, escalating mood swing in the opposite direction. Mania often feels so good–at first–that it’s hard for people to recognize it, or acknowledge it as a serious problem. Unfortunately, feelings of euphoria or agitation can continue to intensify until the person no longer makes sense. Those who eventually experience full-blown manic episodes often end up hospitalized, but countless others who suffer from milder manic episodes (known as hypomania) often go untreated, or are treated only for depression. If you or those around you notice marked shifts in your energy, agitation, or feelings of well-being especially if they affect your sleep patterns, you may suffer from bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist or properly trained physician can diagnose your symptoms to determine whether you’re just recovering from depression or experiencing the flip side of this serious illness. Be aware, too, that antidepressants can ignite dormant mania in people. For this reason, your physician should be aware that what seems a clear case of depression may actually mask the presence of bipolar disorder. Mood swings vs. moodiness: Some people are just moody. They often react negatively to life events, or they may frequently experience bad moods, short tempers, and irritation. While these people may not be much fun to be around, they do not necessarily have a mood disorder. However, if a person’s moodiness affects his or her ability to work, make friends, or function relatively normally in society, a diagnosis of a potential mood disorder is called for. Mood disorders involve exaggerated, extreme, or highly disproportionate responses to life events. A moody person may be quick to anger when someone makes a derogatory comment about him or her; a person suffering from a mood disorder may react to the same situation with suicidal thoughts. Moody people can usually be reasoned with; people with mood disorders lose insight into their own situations and often can’t see that they need help. For this reason, it’s important that friends and family members understand the warning signs of depression and bipolar disorder, and that they know where to turn to seek help for their loved one. Use the following questions to help you determine whether you or someone you care about may be suffering from a bipolar-disorder mood swing:*Have you noticed a significant change in everyday sleep patterns because you are feeling low or more happy than usual? * Do friends, family members, or others comment on your inability to enjoy life, spend within reason, get along with others, keep a job, maintain a relationship, or stay in one place? *Do you often wonder what the point of living is, or why nothing seems good? Are these feelings ever experienced along with difficulty in concentrating or performing simple tasks? *Have you ever suddenly felt a wonderful surge of confidence that allowed you to talk with strangers or meet anyone you wanted? Have you ever lost your normal shyness and suddenly felt beautiful and unstoppable? Have you ever made reckless sexual or financial decisions, only to wonder a few months later, Was that me? What was I thinking? Has this been accompanied with a significantly reduced need for sleep? *Do you go through periods of extreme or unexplained irritability? Do others tell you that you are often unreasonable? Do you kick or hit things (or people) to vent your annoyance or frustration?*Have you ever found yourself thinking (or hearing a voice inside your head telling you) such things as, You should die. You have no right to be here and you should leave. People don’t like you. You’re a failure and a fake. Or, I’m a genius. I’m smarter than any other person in the world. I am invincible.? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to talk to a health care professional about a possible mood disorder. Mood disorders are not personality flaws or a sign of weakness. Like diabetes, they are documented physical illnesses, and they can be effectively treated–once a correct diagnosis is made. If you or a loved one may need help, getting that diagnosis is the first step to recovering from these disorders and living a joyful, healthy, productive life. ************************************************************************ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie A. Fast best selling author of Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder and Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder is a critically acclaimed six-time author, award winning bipolar disorder advice columnist, national speaker, and sought after expert in the fields of bipolar disorder and depression. Julie’s work specializes in helping people manage all aspects of their daily lives -despite the complications that bipolar disorder creates. To learn how to personalize a plan to help yourself or a loved one find and create stability that ensures the quality of life that we all deserve, visit: http://www.bipolarhappens.com

About the Author

Julie A. Fast is America’s leading voice for people with bipolar disorder. She is the co-author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding & Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger Publications, February 2004; .95, author of the upcoming book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, which will be out in late 2006 and columnist for BP Magazine. Learn more about Julie and about bipolar disorder at http://www.bipolarhappens.com.

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Letters From A Bipolar Mother (Chronicles of A Fractured Life)

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