Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings that can disrupt all aspects of a person’s life. It is a brain disorder that amplifies normal ups and downs to the extreme, causing intense depression and manic episodes. Treatment options include mood stabilizing drugs and talk therapy. The disorder is likely passed down in families, but other factors may also contribute. Approximately 1% of the American population is affected. Suicidal threats should always be taken seriously, and anyone experiencing extreme moods or depression should seek medical attention.
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a biological brain disorder that causes extreme psychological and emotional mood swings. These mood swings are so severe that, if left untreated, they often become an obstacle to living a normal, happy life. This disorder affects all aspects of a person’s life, from family to friendships and work.
While everyone goes through periods of ups and downs, bipolar disorder amplifies and intensifies these ups and downs to the extreme. A person suffering from this condition feels not just “blue”, but completely hopeless, ineffective and not viable. These feelings of intense depression often lead to suicidal thoughts or an obsession with suicide.
The manic or “high” end of bipolar also grossly exaggerates reality. Extreme energy and exuberance, visions of grandeur and delusions of being omnipotent are common. While the person may feel entitled, practical dividends are rare. Ideas race through the mind and focus is limited or impossible. Personality is often unusually verbose, self-aggrandizing, and sexually aggressive or promiscuous in inappropriate situations and circumstances.
While those close to the sufferer often mistake the lows of bipolar disorder for common depressive episodes, the highs can be more alarming. A person experiencing a manic mood swing may appear psychotic to the point of potentially being misdiagnosed as schizophrenic.
Those with bipolar disorder go through life from one state to another. Between manic and depressive states, there is often a period of normality. For some, manic mood may be less pronounced than depressive mood. Time periods for completed cycles also vary, and a cycle might take a week or more, or someone might experience many cycles in a single day. This is referred to as rapid cycling.
Medical experts report that bipolar disorder can occur in any age group. Children of parents with the condition who develop it on their own tend to cycle rapidly, sometimes making diagnosis difficult against the background of other childhood behavior problems. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for the disorder. Mood stabilizing drugs, talk therapy, and other regimens can be the difference between experiencing life on a roller coaster and regaining the ability to be stable and happy. Treatment is ongoing, as the disorder is not being treated but managed.
While scientists don’t yet know what causes bipolar disorder, they do acknowledge that it is passed down in families. A genetic component is likely part of a larger interaction of various factors, as evidence suggests it’s not just genetic. For example, one twin may have the disease while the other does not.
Millions of people suffer from bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) in the United States, approximately 1% of the American population is affected. Some famous people who have spoken openly about having it are Anna Marie “Patty” Duke, Linda Hamilton, Jean-Claude VanDamme, Kristy McNichol, Dick Cavett and Buzz Aldrin.
Suicidal threats or speeches should always be taken seriously. Anyone suffering from extreme moods or depression should see a doctor without delay.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
