Bipolar Disorder

by Marshall H. Lewis

Bipolar Disorder is a condition in which a person's mood can swing from the depths of depression to the heights of ecstasy within minutes, days, or weeks. Also known as manic depression, Bipolar Disorder will affect almost one in every one hundred people at some point in their lives. In between the mood swings there are often periods of stability; however, if left untreated, a person with Bipolar Disorder will continue to experience mood swings throughout life.

Bipolar, meaning "two poles," refers to the opposite emotional extremes which the person will experience. One "pole" is extreme clinical depression, while the other "pole" is extreme elation. A related condition, known as Bipolar II Disorder, also exists in which the elation is not as extreme. Many such persons exhibit more irritability than ecstasy.

When in the depressed phase of the illness, the person with Bipolar Disorder will experience profound sadness and despair, or apathy and loss of interest in the things they used to take pleasure in, or both. In addition, there are often changes in eating, sleeping and libido. The person may feel tired most of the time and find it difficult to concentrate or pay attention. They may feel worthless and hopeless. Guilt becomes excessive. Many times, people in this state will find that their thoughts turn more frequently to death and dying, sometimes to the point of contemplating suicide.

While in the elated, or "manic," phase of the illness, the opposite will occur. The person will then feel on top of the world and invincible. They will appear hyperactive and driven; they will often speak rapidly. They will frequently have a decrease in the need for sleep and an increase in libido. They will become risk takers, going on spending sprees, making outlandish business plans, and the like. Judgment become impaired. In addition, they may become more irritable and, at times, be prone to fly into a rage.

Bipolar Disorder can run in families. In fact, 80% - 90% of people with Bipolar Disorder have a relative with either Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder. This is 10 to 20 times greater than that found in the population at large. Research has suggested the possibility that Bipolar Disorder can be caused by an irregular production or release of certain hormones and imbalances in the ways brain cells communicate.

Bipolar Disorder can be quite disabling, but it is also quite treatable. However, compliance with treatment is essential, usually through the life span. Often younger persons with the illness, who have not experienced as many cycles, will abandon treatment during a manic phase -- just when their judgment is most impaired. Hospitalization is sometimes required in these cases.

The most commonly used medicine to treat Bipolar Disorder is Lithium. It is given to stabilize mood and to prevent future mood swings. A person taking Lithium will have their Lithium levels checked on a regular basis. Other medications are also available.

Bipolar Disorder can severely disrupt a person's life and relationships, especially with spouses and family members. Thus, people being treated for Bipolar Disorder can also benefit from psychotherapy. Working with a therapist, the person suffering from Bipolar Disorder can attempt to reestablish and heal relationships damaged by the illness. Since Bipolar Disorder can create an intensely stressful family situation, family members may also benefit from psychotherapy to help them learn strategies to cope with their family member and learn to be an active and beneficial part of the treatment.