delusions bipolar
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a diagnostic category describing a class of mood disorders where the person experiences states or episodes of depression and / or mania, hypomania, and / or mixed states. If left untreated, psychiatric illness is a serious failure.
The difference between bipolar disorder and major depression is that bipolar disorder is "energy" or "activated" states of mind as well of depressed mood. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with the disease.
Fluctuating from one state mood to another is called "cycling" or having mood swings. Mood swings cause a deterioration not only mood but also in their own energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and thinking skills. Many people become fully disabled for a period of time after being diagnosed, and during this time may have great difficulty functioning.
The vast majority of people diagnosed experience depression. In fact, there are at least 3 to 1 Proportion of time spent depressed in the time elapsing in a normal mood, or manic or hypomanic during the course of bipolar I subtype of the disease. People with bipolar II subtype remain depressed for much longer. Up to 37 times more than bipolar I.
A 2003 study by Robert Hirschfeld, MD, University of Texas, Galveston found bipolar patients fared worse in the depressions of unipolar patients.
In terms of disability, lost years of productivity and potential for suicide, bipolar depression is now recognized as the most insidious of the disease.
Major depression can be accompanied by symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms include hallucinations and delusions. They may also suffer from paranoid thoughts of being persecuted or controlled by a powerful entity like the government or a hostile force.
Intense and unusual religious beliefs may also be present, and the strong insistence of patients who have a God-given role in the world, a great historical mission and carry out, or even possess supernatural powers. The delusions in depression may be much more painful, sometimes in the form of intense guilt for the errors on the assumption that the patient believes he or she has caused others.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Today bipolar disorder can not be cured but can be managed. The emphasis of treatment is effective management of long-term evolution of the disease, which may involve the treatment of emerging symptoms. Treatment methods include pharmacological and psychological techniques.
A variety of medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder require combinations of drugs.
The relapse of bipolar disorder
Although the drug, some people may still experience episodes weak or have a complete manic or depressive episode. The following behaviors can lead to depressive or manic relapse:
* The removal or reduction one dose of medication without consulting one doctor.
* Being under or over medicated. In general, taking a lower dose of a mood stabilizer may lead to relapse into mania. Taking a lower dose of an antidepressant, may cause the patient to relapse into depression, while higher doses can cause destabilization in mixed states or mania.
* Use of other psychotropic or recreational drugs such as marijuana, cocaine or heroin. They can cause illness worse.
* The inconsistent sleep schedule can destabilize the illness. Too much sleep can lead to depression, while sleeping too little can lead to mixed states or mania.
* Excessive amounts of caffeine can cause destabilization of mood to irritability, dysphoria and mania.
* Inadequate stress management and lifestyle. If unmedicated, excessive stress can cause a person to relapse. Drug increases the stress threshold somewhat, but still too much stress cause a relapse.
Disclaimer
Information presented here should not be construed as medical advice. If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, please consult a medical professional in the last treatment options.
Permission is granted to reprint this article provided that no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
About the Author:
This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more Bipolar Disorder resources at bipolar-disorder-press.info.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What Is Bipolar Disorder And How Do You Treat It?
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