UNIVERSAL HEALTH: Bipolar Disorder and Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric condition in which the victim experiences intense mood swings. The mood swings can last a few weeks, a few months, or much less time than that. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness which has no known cure, but requires lifelong management.

The cause of Bipolar Disorder is not known, although it does have biologic and environmental factors in addition to strong genetic factors.This illness generally develops in the late teens or early 20s, although the person can be older or younger than this guideline.

Bipolar Disorder causes intense mood swings between elevated moods and dark depression. The elevated mood of this disorder is called mania or manic state. It can cause the person to be hyperactive or irritable. The other side to this disorder is a depressive state in which the person displays a dark mood, irritation and frustration.

Bipolar is different from depression because it swings between two arenas whereas depression is a low state with no mania involved.

Guilt

Worthlessness

Hopelessness

Loss of interest in activities

Slow speech

Slow movements

Inability to sleep

Inability to focus

Sleeping too much

Sleeping too little

Aches, pains

Suicidal thoughts/ suicide attempt

Depressive episodes may not allow the person to go to work, get out of bed, care for children or themselves, in addition to poor hygiene.

Racing thoughts

Increased energy

Restlessness

Extreme irritability

Euphoric mood

Rapid movements

Rapid speech

Poor judgement

Substance abuse

Increased sex drive

Inability to concentrate

Inability to focus

Treatment: There is no cure for this illness, although treatment generally consists of mood stabilizing medications and psychotherapy.

Interacting: It is important to remember that these adults can make their own decisions so be sure to treat him or her with respect. Along these same lines, many people decide not to take medications for various reasons including side effects. These people will also deny that their condition is worsening, and s/he is not lying to you, s/he truly believes that their condition is the same as before. The people around the victim notice the situation deteriorating first.

Communication: Using short, clear sentences when communicating, and if possible try not to have victim make decisions. It is easy for him or her to become overwhelmed when in a depressive state.

Nutrition:  S/he may have little or excessive interest in food. Increased fiber and 8 glasses of fluid is recommended to prevent constipation from the medication.

Activity:  Regular activity is important to release stress and depression, and burn off excess energy of mania.

Safety:  Some meds cause heart problems or difficulty breathing, dizziness or constipation. Medication abuse is common in Bipolar victims.