Bipolar Disorder

Question: Bipolar disorder? I'm writing a book. Anyone have any experience with living with a parent/loved one with bipolar disorder? I'm particularly interested in the mania stage of the disease. The mother in my book has it and rarely, if ever (I'm in planning stages) goes through the depressive stage. Mainly just mania. Any comments/anything I need to know? I may describe the depressive side, but it isn't actually required to have the disorder. I do know a little bit of what's required for diagnosis, but I don't know what it's like to be around someone who has the disorder.

Answer: I dated a woman once who was bi-polar. Every time she went through a depressive stage I would hold her in my arms all night long and tell her everything was going to be ok. She would tell me about why she was sad and I would stay with her until it was over. One time I asked her what was wrong and she told me she didn't like her toothbrush. That was when I realized that she would never be better, that I couldn't take all her pain away, that I was helpless with her problems. Later, I went into healthcare. At one point I got one of my MR residents diagnosed as bi-polar (they incorrectly thought he had obsessive compulsive disorder). When he was manic he would be easily distracted, in the middle of a conversation he would start cleaning his apartment because it was dirty. He would do this for hours at a time even if there were other more pressing things to do. When he finally had a depressive episode he would lie in bed and lack the energy to even get up. The medicine helped but left him feeling like he couldn't experience emotions (it took the highs & lows away). I remember a third person who was obsessed with germs, when she was in a manic state she would shower dozens of times a day. She would actually run her books and notebooks through the dishwasher to keep them germ free. Manic Depressive behaviour often looks a lot like OCD, except in OCD people realize what they are doing is silly - they just don't feel comfortable not doing it. With bipolar they don't realize there is anything wrong with thier behaviour. It can be very difficult to live with someone with Bipolar, and it requires a special kind of love. Good luck with the book :-) NOTE: manic / depressive cycles are very long, usually weeks or months... shorter cycles (hours or days) are a different disorder.

Question: What happens if bipolar disorder goes untreated for a long time? Can bipolar disorder form into a more serious mental illness? Also does anyone know why it seems that all the mental disorders involve chemical imbalances, like the dopamine hypothesis, and serotonin and all that. Psychologists always say its Genetics, though it really seems environmental factors play the biggest role. I honestly think that almost all personality, mood, and psychotic disorders are not cause by genetics, but the way people were raised and the kind of life they lead.

Answer: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_d… If left untreated people can cycle and their moods will escalate and then depression sets in. Genetics are involved, but I also believe enviroment plays a huge role. Good luck!!

Question: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? I was wondering, what are like the symptoms of bipolar disorder? I know its like manic and major depression, or there's another kind? called like bipolar ii or something? like, its hyper manic and just depression? Any details on these? Also, could someone be able to suspect that they are bipolar or have bipolar ii (if that's what its called)? Thanks in advance. I'm not trying to diagnose anyone, I'm just wondering, of some of the symptoms and different types of bipolar.

Answer: There is bipolar 1, bipolar 2, cyclothemia, and bipolar NOS. Cyclothemia is the most mild. It is characturized by hypomania (mania lite) and moderate depression. People with cyclothemia can generally function, but they may have somewhat unstable lives and may benefit greatly from therapy. Bipolar 2 is the "swinging" bipolar. It goes from hypomania to severe depression. People with bipolar 2 do tend to go through remissions, and can function during hypomanic times generally, but may not be able to function during severely depressed times. They often wind up seeking help while depressed and getting misdiagnosed. Bipolar 1 is the "raging" bipolar that goes from full-blown mania, severe depression, or mixed episodes. Mania may result in psychotic symptoms, and severe impairment in functioning. Mixed episodes are unique to bipolar 1. Basically, they are what they sound like. A mix of depressive and mani symptoms. The person may be hopeless, anxious, paranoid, but also aggressive, hyperactive, grandiose. Mixed epsiodes cause more suicide attempts than depression because they are so frightening and confusing. And finally there is Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) when the person has some form of bipolar, but the type is unknown, or doesn't fit. Within any type of bipolar, there is also varying speed of cycles. Typical bipolar episodes of (hypo)mania, depression, or mixed epsisodes last from 3-6 months typically. Rapid cycling is having 4 or more episodes per year. Utridian cycling is even fast than that, sometimes switching moods every couple days (that is the rarest type). Depression you're probably familiar with (the definition, anyway). Feeling lethargic, hopeless, isolates. In extreme cases it can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Mania makes you hyperactive, over-talkative, risk-taking, grandiose (where you may think, for example, that you're going to be a rich movie star). It can cause paraoid thoughts, delusions, even hallucinations in very severe cases. Hypomania is the milder version of that. The person is hyperactive, talks fast, spends lots of money, takes on more projects than they would otherwise... but it doesn't USUALLY cause their functioning to break down. A lot of people become very creative during hypomanic episodes. Mixed is the most unpleasant. Paranoia, anxiety, rage, insomnia, and hopelessness are common symptoms.

Question: What exactly is bipolar disorder and the symptoms? I have read that it causes highs and lows. What exactly does that mean when you have highs and lows. Can someone give me a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of bipolar disorder? Thanks in advance.

Answer: Bipolar is one of the types of mood disorder associated with brain. It causes unusual shifts in energy, mood and ability of a person. It is also referred to as maniac depression. It involves recurrent episodes of depression and mania, which recur across the lifespan. A person suffering from bipolar disease often experiences mood instability, depression and extreme mood swings. One time, they may feel very sad, worthless, helpless, despairing and hopeless and another time, they may feel like creative, hyperactive and on the top of the world. This disease is named as bipolar disorder because the mood of a person with bipolar disorder alternates between totally different extremities, such as extreme sadness and euphoric happiness. There are two types of bipolar disorder such as Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder. The first type involves episodes of severe mood swings, while the second type is a milder form. Cyclothymia is a mild bipolar disorder. Causes of Bipolar Disorder The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. However, various genetic, biochemical and environmental factors are supposed to be involved in triggering bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder have some physical and chemical changes in the brain. Neurotransmitters, naturally occurring brain chemicals, contribute in developing bipolar disorder. Hormonal imbalance is also responsible for this disorder. This disease may be due to a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms of bipolar disorder are characterized by alternate patterns of depression and mania. The symptoms may vary mild to severe from person to person. There are different symptoms of bipolar disorder in maniac phase and depressive phase. Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder A person in the maniac phase may feel very energetic, creative and hyperactive. Some of the common signs of mania are increased activity and gestures, inflated self-esteem, poor temper control, poor judgment and pressured speech. The major symptoms of manic phase are: Extreme optimism Agitation Euphoria Inflated self-esteem Rapid speech Aggressive behavior Racing thoughts Risky behavior Spending sprees Increased physical activity Increased sexual drive Increased drive to perform or achieve goals Decreased need for sleep Inability to concentrate Tendency to be easily distracted Drug abuse Depressive Phase in Bipolar Disorder Some people may experience more episodes of depressive phase than maniac phase. Some of the general signs of depression are excessive worry, sadness, crying spells and social withdrawal. Some major symptoms of depressive phase are as follows: Hopelessness Sadness Sleep problems Anxiety Irritability Guilt Appetite problems Fatigue Problems in concentration Loss of interest in daily activities Chronic pain due to unknown reason Symptoms of bipolar disorder are serious and can affect entire life of a person. Bipolar depression may result in damaged relationships, marital problems, poor performance in school or at job, and even suicide. Hence, it is very essential to seek an appropriate treatment immediately. Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed on the basis of signs and symptoms. Bipolar disorder treatment focuses on stabilizing mood swings and managing the symptoms. It can be treated with different medications such as lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid, etc. Various therapies such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy are found to be helpful the people with bipolar disorder. By Reshma Jirage Published: 11/13/2008  

Question: How can someone get drugs for bipolar disorder for free or at a reduced cost? A friend of mine is unable to pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe drugs for her bipolar disorder. She has been clinically diagnosed and her bipolar disorder is seriously affecting her quality of life and she is unable to function normally. She is having suicidal thoughts and she really needs help. Are there any gov't agencies that can help her?

Answer: If you are in America there are usually psychiatric emergency departments at a hospital. They will either give you samples, or a prescription to be filled at that hospital for low cost. It's usually a long wait to be seen, and the hospitals are usually teaching hospitals - but she will be seen and hopefully helped. Also, check out local agencies in your area, such as clinics, case management, and behavioral services.

Question: Can Bipolar Disorder or Depression be inherited from parents? As much as I hate so say it, my girlfriend shows symptoms of bipolar disorder, or depression; I really can't tell the two apart. Her mother has diagnosed bipolar disorder, and so does her grandmother. I was wondering if that kind of thing can be passed down genetically.

Answer: Yes it definitely can be passed down.

Question: What is Bipolar disorder? How is it different from depression/anxiety? How is Bipolar Disorder different from social anxiety & depression. How do you tell the difference?? What are the different symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is this disorder treated the same way as anxiety & depression?

Answer: Hi - Bipolar disorder is different from depression/anxiety in that our mood levels go from very low to very high. it's called cycling and it can continue for long periods of time, or could disappear in no time and hen leving us change six or seven times in one day. The low end is the hard part./ I get very depressed and just wantto sit and watch television and let everything else go. One can be completely housebound due to the depression of Bipolar, and then, suddently, in a day or two be out and about, all over town, making new friends, buying things they don't need, interviewing for jobs they'd love to have, but could never fulflill. A few of us have ended up traveling across the country incognito, then suddenly appearing in the middle of an airport, stark naked. Just remember, take the smalest dosage of the bipolar meds that you can get by with, learn to role with the ups and dows and find a good doctor. Also, sometimes, it's difficult to work at a regular job, many of us work at home, or become involved in fine arts, like painting, music, writing, etc. Make the most of it, it could be a lot worse. just learn to undersand bipolar and then begin to anticipate what triggers certain moods. I do want to add one more imoprtant item and that is the number of completed suicides in bipolar patients is rather high - that's why it is so important to have a psych and a therapist - one to keep track of your meds and the other to keep aware of how things are going on an everyday level. good luck, welcome aboard good luck, kathy

Question: Can bipolar disorder kill your desire to have sex with a woman? I have had bipolar disorder for five years and now I'm seeing that I don't have the push to have sex with women. I did for the past few years but over the past year, my drive is down. I am currently 24 years old.

Answer: the medication you are taking for the Bipolar disorder is probably causing the low sex drive and not the disorder itself

Question: Can bipolar disorder come back if a person is properly medicated? I have had bipolar disorder since my late teens. I have been on lithium for a year and a half now. Tried a host of other drugs before that to no avail. But now I am stable and functioning well. Do you think it could come back if I stick with treatment?

Answer: For bipolar to "come back" it has to go away first. One big thing to dealling with bipolar is realizing and accepting that you have it, it has not gone away, and never will. Thinking in the mindset of it going away is why so many people end up going off their meds eventually, even when they are keeping them stable. Is it possible for the mood swings to come back. Yes. Could be triggered by something. I know i have triggered a severe mania from stress, after having been stable. Also, your body can addapt to the meds and meds can become less effective. You have to continue to keep an eye on your moods, and spot when they start to get off again. SOmetimes changing dose is enough. Sometimes changing meds again is needed. Our body chemistry just changes over time....just how it is.

Question: Is bipolar disorder something you are born with? I was wondering if bipolar disorder is a condition you are born with, or if it is developed over time and circumstances? Once someone is diagnosed as being bipolar, do they ever fully "recover" or stop having symptoms? Thank you!

Answer: Some people are born pre disposed to bipolar, those with a family history having a higher incidence or chance of developing it. Stressful events, pregnancy and illness can be present at the onset of symptoms and help 'launch' a bipolar episode. The above can also aggravate the condition once it has been diagnosed. Most recent research indicates that its actually a biochemical imbalance in the brain and there is no 'cure' as yet, though the disorder is treatable with a regime of therapy and maintenance medication. The condition is life long, so it is likely a person will require medication and therapy for the rest of their life, but to be adjusted as circumstances require. The mental condition of a sufferer with the illness will fluctuate over time, but again, the illness is manageable with proper and timely medical treatment, a good diet, proper sleep and avoidance of episode triggers and highly stressful situations.

Question: How do I get checked for bipolar disorder? I have bad anxiety and depression, but I want to rule out that possibilty that it's bipolar disorder.

Answer: You need to speak with a mental health professional. Typically, a psychiatrist makes these types of diagnoses. You can ask your family doctor for a referral or contact a psychiatrist's office directly. At your appointment, the doctor will assess the symptoms you've been experiencing. This is in the form of an interview. The diagnosis is based on a specific set of symptoms such as episodes of mania and depression. There are many resources available including private psychiatrists' offices and community mental health centers. If you feel that you have any of the symptoms of bipolar disorder or any other psychiatric illness, please see a mental health professional. These disorders are treatable with proper medication and psychotherapy.

Question: What are some other symptoms of bipolar disorder? I have been diagnosed with bipolar type I, which I understand has hallucinations and is more extreme than bipolar type II. I know the symptoms that every website lists for bipolar- increased energy, decreased need for sleep, etc...for mania and decreased energy, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, etc...for depression. What I'm looking for is individual experiences with this disorder. For example, I get really involved in things like painting, then feng shui, then collecting several different things, then geneology, then physics, etc... when I'm manic. I switch from one thing into a completely different thing and completely lose interest in the thing before. Does that make sense? I know that each person's experiences will vary, but I would like to hear about behaviors besides those listed in the typical diagnostic criterea. These answers are great. I have to laugh because I can relate to so many of you!

Answer: If you have halluncinations - you may have schizophrenia becuase halluncinations only occur during psychosis in bipolar patients. I hope you are taking something to manage the symptoms even though the medication may not act right away.

Question: What are ways to deal with bipolar disorder without medication? My meds are running out and I don't have insurance because I just moved to a new state and I don't have any money to get insurance so I was wondering, what are ways to deal with bipolar disorder without being on meds? Is there any way possible that I can control my moods without being on medications?

Answer: You need to be on your medication. Contact your local MHMRA (mental health mental retardation association) . It should be listed in your phone book. They will have programs available to assist you with obtaining medication at little or no cost depending on your income. Trying to control your moods without medication is useless. When you are in a manic state, you won't be aware of the poor judgment and poor impulse control that you will experience. This will lead to problems that you don't want to have to deal with. You can also call 1-800-784-2433. They have trained counselors available 24/7 who can help you find resources in your local area. Good luck and remember you are worth the time, energy and money it will take to treat your disorder for a healthy future. Tex

Question: What are the starting signs of bipolar disorder? Does anyone know the beginning signs of bipolar disorder? And how it is linked to schizophrenia? Do the two go hand in hand? You obviously have never been in a room where your own Mother couldn't tell who you were. Or when she was convinced on a road trip to Ohio that she saw knights on white horses trotting on the interstate, or how about when she yelled at the man in the line at wal-mart because he was "reading her mind" You're a jerk. As far as ICD-9 codes go, I know how to use them thanks! I do work for a doctor and you are misinformed! Thanks come again.

Answer: Bipolar disorder is most often first diagnosed during a manic episode. Mania has a lot of different signs/symptoms. For example, most manic people feel energized, feel little need for sleep. Other signs are: inflated/grandiose self-image, delusions/hallucinations, reckless/impulsive behavior (spending lots of money, promiscuous sex, etc.), racing thoughts, extreme irritability. There are more. It is often misdiagnosed because bipolar people are more likely to seek help while depressed and not while manic. Once a manic episode has been established or observed and there is also a history of depression, the person can be properly diagnosed and medicated. There is another mental illness called schizoaffective disorder which is basically when a person has traits of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. There are many people with schizophrenia who do not experience the mood disturbaces of a bipolar person. There are also many bipolar people who don't experience the same psychotic symptoms as a schizophrenic. So, they don't always go hand-in-hand. Hope that helps! P.S. Don't let idiotic and ignorant comments get to you! Most people who say those things are just too self-righteous to open their eyes and see mental illness for what it is: A MEDICAL PROBLEM (just like cancer).

Question: Are there any herbal remedies that work for bipolar disorder? I know that there are some that are recommended for depression - St. John's Wort, for example - but do these remedies run the same risk as antidepressants for people with bipolar - that is, do they make them manic? (Please bear in mind that I have already had that reaction to an antidepressant, so I might be susceptible to it). Are there any herbal remedies that are safe and recommended for people with bipolar disorder?

Answer: I don't believe in taking medication. That's a personal decision. They tried to put me on medication that was originally made for people with seizures. I don't have seizures. I am bipolar. I told them that they could shove it because I wasn't going to take the medication. And I didn't, and I am still not taking anything for it. I like to be able to feel, I don't want to be a zombie. Sex seems to help. Lol, I'm not just saying that, it's true. (Your brain releases endorphins during orgasm that makes you happy.) Other stuff does that too, like chocolate, and exercise. Try some of those options. Even if you take the medication.

Question: Do people with bipolar disorder have hallucinations after having general anesthesia? I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I am having my wisdom teeth taken out next week and they will have to put me to sleep and I heard that bipolar people have hallucinations after having general anesthesia. Is this true? If your bipolar and have had similar experiences, what was it like?

Answer: I've had two general anesthesias in the middle of a really manic period and never had any hallucinations.