|
|
|
|
|
(Also known as manic depressive)
Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function in everyday activities. This in turn disrupts family life, employment, and social interaction. Bipolar disorder can even lead to suicide. This lifelong illness is serious and must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life. Bipolar disorder not only affects those with the illness, but it also affects those who care about them. The illness affects anywhere from 2 to 6 million people in the U.S. in any given year, and as yet, there is no known “cure” for bipolar disorder.
Although bipolar disorder usually develops in late adolescence, some people experience their first symptoms early in childhood or maybe not until much later in life. Often, those who are bipolar do not realize how impaired they are and they blame their problems on anything but the disorder. To date, medication and psychotherapy can help keep the illness under control, along with a healthier lifestyle that includes a well-rounded diet and exercise.
The causes of bipolar disorder are not clearly understood, although much research suggests a contributing genetic component. In the studies of identical twins, you would expect both twins to have the disorder if one of the twins develops it, but an identical twin does not always develop bipolar disorder. Many scientists believe that many factors act together to produce the illness. Your family and your environment may also play a role in the disorder. Sleep deprivation, substance abuse, antidepressants and even caffeine can trigger an episode.
There are four different forms of bipolar disorder identified, which are Bipolar I, Bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). There are two phases of the disorder, mania and depression, and they have their own set of symptoms. The majority of bipolar patients experience alternating episodes of mania and depression. At times, some people may experience a “mixed episode” that includes manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. As the illness progresses, the severity of symptoms can vary, and these symptoms can also vary from person to person.
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be difficult, and some people with the illness have instead been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important, as the mood swings can recur more often later in the illness, with 4 or more recurrences in a single year making this illness harder to treat. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. Your doctor needs to know how you feel and the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications, homeopathic, or herbal infusions. Diagnosis is also based on problems and symptoms in your past. If you are seeing a psychiatrist and a medical doctor, it is very important that they work together, as some medications can trigger an incident (antidepressants and steroids).
A combination of medications and psychotherapy are the best treatments available to date. Many who have the disorder take an antidepressant with a mood-stabilizing drug. The FDA cautions that children and adolescents who are treated with antidepressant medications and who have depression and other mental health disorders are at risk for increased suicidal thinking and behaviors. Ongoing treatment is very important to help keep mood swings under control. Even though you may feel better, continue taking the medications and continue seeking medical advice. A long-term to lifetime bipolar patient is one who has experienced two to three episodes of the disorder. Once the doctor has stabilized the mood swing, treatment will be continued indefinitely.
If you are concerned that the above information may apply to you, a family member or a friend we suggest you conduct some additional research and seek the advice, guidance and support of an experienced health care professional. In many cases it will be wise to seek the advice of a TEAM of health care professionals that can support you through the entire process of diagnoses and successful treatment.
In conclusion, the more you know and understand about potential illnesses and their triggers affecting you and your family the more effective you and your health team will be in diagnosing and treating these challenges.
|
|
|
Disclaimer
The information presented in this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health professional. Coaches of the Lifestyle Center may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for a health care provider.
The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this educational endeavor we have made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but make no claim that it comprehensively addresses all possible situations. This site is intended as an educational resource for individuals and families seeking information that may help them solve difficult health issues. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a licensed health professional. The information must be interpreted in light of specific data regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
|
|
|
|
Click Here
To Sign Up For
A 30 min Complimentary Coaching
Session!
|
|
|
How Do We Know This Works? Because when our doctors and coaches work together to create a personalized health plan just for you it provides a powerful process of transformation that will empower, shift, and improve your life.
Your personalized health plan helps educate you about what's specifically happening to your body. It also provides goals, action steps, therapies and solutions to meet your health, career, lifestyle and budget needs. Your health plan helps you visualize and script your success, shifting your energy, while focusing your mind and heart toward good health and a fulfilling life.
|
|
|
|
