Bipolar+Disorders

  Bipolar Disorder: This type of disorder alternates moods between the highs of mania and the lows of depression. The "mood swings" associated with this order can change very quickly and cause extreme shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. The cycles of this disorder may last for day, weeks, or months.

Effects of Everyday Life: The symptoms of bipolar disorder and unlike any regular mood swings. The mood swings are so intense that they can interfere with a person's inability to function. During the manic stage a person may impulsively quit a job, charge excessive amounts on a credit card, or feel rested after two hours of sleep. During the depression stage this person may have a difficult time getting out of bed and want to sulk about unemployment and the amount of debt they are in. There are treatments that can help a person with bipolar disorder lead a normal life.   Symptoms: Manic Stage:  Depressed Stage:
 *  Agitation or irritation
 * Elevated mood or feeling unusually optimistic
 * Inflated Self-esteem
 * Little need for sleep & a lot of energy
 * Over-involvement in activities
 * Reckless behavior
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Poor Tempor Control
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Racing thoughts
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Easily Distracted
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Difficulty Concentrating
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Loss of appetite or overeating
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Feeling of worthlessness
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Low self-esteem
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Persistent sadness of thoughts of death
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Excessive sleep or little sleep
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Suicidal thoughts
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Stop doing activities that are enjoyed.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Withdrawal from friends.

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Diagnosis: Visit your health care provider who may take the following actions. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="color: #42d425; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Treatment: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication, therapy, social support, and lifestyle changes. Lithium is often used to treat the manic stage of bipolar disorder. Antidepressants are the typical treatment for the depression stage. It is important to continue all types of treatment even when you are feeling better because bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">They may ask if anyone in your family has had a medical history of bipolar disorder.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Ask about your recent mood swings and how long have you had them for.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Observe your behavior and mood.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Do an examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Ask for laboratory tests to check for drug levels or thyroid problems.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Speak with your family members
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Take a medical history.

[|Watch a video on bipolar disorder]

<span style="color: #8282f2; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> For more information visit: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">[|http://helpguide.org/mental/http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/mentalhealth/Pages/Bipolardisordervideo.aspx] <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">[]

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