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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Bipolar Disorder introduction

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. It is not like the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. Bipolar disorder sufferers can have their lives destroyed by this illness, because of the strong mood changes

Bipolar disorder statistics

Aroound 5.7 million American adults or say 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder usually develops in early adulthood. Sometimes symptoms can be seen during childhood, and some later in life. Dipolar disorder is not easy to recognized as an illness at times, people can suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

Identifying Bipolar Disorder

The two types of Bipolar Disorder are Mania or manic episodes or Depression or Depressive episodes-

Mania Bipolar Disorder

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
• Little sleep needed
• Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

Depression Bipolar Disorder

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

CONCLUSION

Bipolar disorder has no cure but with the right medication sufferers can controll the illness and live a life that is normal.