The Truth About Bipolar Disorder

Manic depression is another popular name for bipolar disorder. Periods of euphoria or mania alternating with periods of depression are the symptoms characterized with this disorder as is indicated with the name. These periods of the symptoms are not brief and may last for hours, days and even months. The ability of the individual to lead a normal life can also be affected by these radical mood changes.

Patients in the mania phase may have an increased amount of energy and feel the urge to do things out of character like sing and dance, quit his job or shop like a madman. Euphoric feelings for no apparent reason are the characteristics associated with the mania phase.

The depression phase on the other hand can be characterized by symptoms of low or no energy. A person suffering from this phase may be completely depressed about everything, wallow in self pity and be very lethargic for no reason.

Bipolar Disorder has become a common affliction these days with 3% of the adult population in the US affected. Even though the disease has been linked to genetics and family history, researchers are striving to ascertain the actual causes.

Bipolar disorder symptoms are known to eventuate in the late teenage and early adult years and most people initially look at bipolar symptoms in teens as typical adolescent behavior. When this happens, people tend to take no notice of them making the symptoms worse. From this we can clearly see that an early prognosis of the disease is needed to allow for any possibility of a normal life for the patient.

In the early days, people afflicted with the bipolar symptoms and bipolar disease, were often called “mad”. Many were thought to be possessed by evil spirits as well. However, with the advent of new technology, many of these myths have been broken.

Here are some old myths about bipolar disorder which were prevalent till recently:

A good life is no longer possible for a person with bipolar disorder ” This myth is false as it can be seen that people all around the world who suffer from this disease have children and a great family and they lead perfectly normal lives. All that is needed for this to be possible is the ability to cope with and manage the symptoms when they occur and also a good support system.

Sufferers of bipolar disorder cycle between mania and depression ” Even though there is an occurrence of both these episodes, depression phases happen more frequently than mania. Mania is hardly noticeable most of the time because it is so mild. There can also be cases where no symptoms are experienced by patients for a long period of time.

Treatment for bipolar disorder is available with therapy and medicines. But even with these conventional cures available, one must not forget the love and support of family and friends as this is extremely vital in ensuring a normal life for patients.