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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental illness characterized by tremendous mood swings. It is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The disorder is hereditary, and if one of your parents has been diagnosed with it, you have a greater chance of developing it as well. Males and females of all age groups have an equal opportunity of contracting this illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are times when someone with bipolar disorder will be full of joy and energy, and be up for anything. During this stage referred to as "mania," the person may be so hyped up that even sleep is not an option. On the opposite end of the spectrum, someone with a bipolar diagnosis can also be severely sad and depressed. Throughout the depression stage, the person may be so down in the dumps that nothing will amuse or entertain them and change their outlook. Anyone suffering from bipolar disorder can rapidly swing from mania to depression and right back to mania again.

Some common signs of mania include:

• Feeling short-tempered or heated
• Thinking and speaking so quickly that others are unable to comprehend
• The perception that sleep is unnecessary
• A false sense of security that you are invincible
• Difficulty focusing
• Overspending
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Engaging in an unprotected sexual act

Some common signs of depression include:

• No interest in or enjoyment of activities that used to bring you pleasure (e.g., lack of sex drive)
• Feeling cheerless or indifferent
• Crying easily or without much provocation
• Feeling lethargic, impatient, and irritable
• Feeling guilty or useless
• Change in eating habits (may lead to an increase or decrease in weight)
• Difficulty remembering, focusing, or making choices
• Headaches, backaches, or digestive problems
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying in bed longer than necessary
• Constant exhaustion
• Suicidal thoughts