Bipolar

About Bipolar:
 * =﻿//**By: Nicole**// =


 * Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The mood swings can change very quickly.
 * Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually begin between the ages of 15 - 25. Theexact cause of Bipolar disorder is unknown.
 * Bipolar disorder occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar. Meaning, most people get it through genetics.


 * Types of Bipolar disorder:
 * ** Type 1 Manic Panic: ** People with bipolar disorder type I have experienced at least one manic episode and periods of major depression In the past.
 * ** Type 2: ** People with bipolar disorder type II never had full mania. people with type 2 bipolar experience periods of high energy levels and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as hypomania. These periods alternate with moments of depression.
 * ** Cyclothymia: ** Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder, this involves less severe mood swings. People with this form alternate between hypomania and mild depression.
 * Triggers
 * Life changes (example:child birth)
 * Medications (example:antidepressants)
 * Periods of sleeplessness
 * Recreational drug use



Symptoms: In people with bipolar disorder II, the symptoms of mania are similar but less intense. There is a high risk of suicide with bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can make the symptoms and suicide risk worse.  Sometimes the two phases overlap. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur together or quickly one after the other in what is called a mixed state.
 * The manic phase can last from days to months.
 * Symptoms include:
 * Easily distracted
 * Little need for sleep
 * Poor judgment
 * Poor temper control
 * Reckless behavior and lack of self control; such as:
 * Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
 * Sex with many partners
 * Spending sprees
 * Very elevated mood; such as:
 * Hyperactivity
 * Increased energy
 * Racing thoughts
 * Talking a lot
 * Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
 * Very involved in activities
 * Very upset
 * The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder includes these symptoms:
 * Daily low mood or sadness
 * Problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
 * Eating problems (loss of appetite/weight loss or over eating/weight gain)
 * Lack of energy
 * Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
 * Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
 * Loss of self-esteem
 * Thoughts of death and suicide
 * trouble getting to sleep or sleeping to much
 * Pulling away from friends
 * Treatments for bipolar disorder
 * **Check in frequently with your doctor.** It is important to have regular blood tests to make sure that your medication levels are in the therapeutic range. Close monitoring by your doctor will help keep you safe and symptom-free.
 * **Continue taking your medication, even if your mood is stable.** Don’t stop taking your medication as soon as you start to feel better. Most people need to take medication long-term in order to avoid relapse.
 * **Don’t expect medication to fix all your problems**. Bipolar disorder medication can help reduce the symptoms of mania and depression, but in order to feel your best, it’s important to lead a lifestyle that supports wellness. This includes surrounding yourself with supportive people, getting therapy, and getting plenty of rest.
 * **Be extremely cautious with antidepressants**. Research shows that antidepressants are not particularly effective in the treatment of bipolar depression. Furthermore, they can trigger mania or cause rapid cycling between depression and mania in people with bipolar disorder.
 * ** Therapy for bipolar disorder is very important. **There are many different types of therapy for being bipolar. Some in which include:
 * Cognitive-behavioral therapy
 * Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
 * Family-focused therapy

Bipolar disorder is very serious, and you are not facing it alone. Don't just sit there... Call for help.

** Links: **Depression [] [] Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder- By: Juloe A. Fast, John D. Preston