Psych Series #4

Psych Series #4: Bipolar Disorder

"Someone call the doctor
Got a case of a love bi-polar
Stuck on a roller coaster
Can't get off this ride...

...Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in then you're out
You're up then you're down"
~Hot 'N Cold - Katy Perry

Bipolar disorder is also known as Manic-Depressive illness. It is a brain disorder involving unusual shifts in a person's moods, energy, and ability to function. Unlike "normal" ups and downs, symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are severe. Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically develop in late adolescence or early adulthood. There have been reports of some individuals developing symptoms during childhood or later in life.

Signs & Symptoms: This disorder causes dramatic mood swings - overly "high" or irritable to sad and hopeless, then back again, with periods of "normal" moods in between. The periods of highs and lows are known as "episodes" of mania and depression.

Manic Episode Symptoms:

• 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
  
  
• Decreased need for sleep

• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers (feeling of invincibility)

• Poor judgment

• Increased sexual drive

• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

• Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer.

Depressive Episode Symptoms:

• 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

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

Treatments:

• Medications - generally medications known as "mood stabilizers" are used for bipolar disorder.
• Examples: Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol (Carbamazepine), Lamictal, Neurontin (Gabapentin), Topamax
• Medications for Bipolar Depression - antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic medications are often used with the previously mentioned mood stabilizers to decrease rapid "cycling" from mania to depression.
• Examples: Clozapine, Geodon, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Klonopin, Ativan, Ambien
• Psychotherapy

If you or a loved one needs help managing Bipolar disorder, contact your local hospital or psychiatric health provider. Other mental health providers include psychologists, psychiatric social workers, psychiatric nurses, and mental health counselors.

Wishing you health & happiness!