bipolar disorder
(- Formerly Known As Manic Depression.)
Bi-polar disorder is a mood disorder characterised by exaggerated swings of mood from one extreme to another.
A person may experience times when they have an elevated mood or feel very euphoric (or manic), followed by times when they are depressed or feel very 'low'.
Some people only have the episodes of feeling very euphoric and while others only have episodes of severe depression.
How Common is Bi-polar Illness?
Bi-polar disorder affects a little less than 1 % of the population, (approximately 180,000 Australians).
Both men and women are affected equally.
SYMPTOMS
The episodes of euphoria or depression usually last for weeks or months and may be separated by long periods, or years, of 'normal' moods.
What Happens When A Person Experiences A Euphoric Episode? The person may:
feel extremely 'high' and full of energy
need very little sleep
be irritable with others and lack any insight or understanding
speak very rapidly
lack of normal inhibitions, eg sexual and social behaviours
be grandiose and have unrealistic expectations and goals
become reckless or careless, doing things that they later regret, (such as spending a lot of money or driving dangerously)
become delusional and have difficulty determining reality
What Happens When A Person Experiences A Depressive Episode? The person may:
feel very sad and hopeless
feel guilty
have suicidal thoughts
lose interest in everything
lack motivation and energy
have delusions and hallucinations
have difficulty determining reality
CAUSES
What Causes Bi-polar Disorder?
The cause of bi-polar disorder is unknown. However, several genetic, biochemical and environmental factors have been found to increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
TREATMENT
What Treatment is Available?
Treatment usually consists of professional support, education and medication.
It may be necessary for short hospital stays to establish and monitor treatment options.
If you want to find out more about bipolar disorder, talk to your GP.
They can explain how this disorder affects people and suggest other avenues of support.
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