effects bipolar
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that manifests in a person through the ups and downs in mood and energy levels. Often confused with depression and sporadic mood swings. However, it should be understood that bipolar disorder is not a mood. It is a brain disorder – a mental illness that is long term. So far, no permanent cure has been found for it. What is all Thena about … Keep reading!
Bipolar disorder causes victims to swing between two entirely different moods. Sometimes there may be very elated and excited. Other times, it will be sad and depressed. As the word bipolar rightly states, there are two parts – mania and depression. Apart from mood swings, other symptoms include going on a spending spree, decreased need for sleep, increased feeling of sensuality and sexual drive, easy irritability, abysmal faith in yourself and so on. This disorder is fairly entrenched if there is an urge to commit suicide or lack of will to live. If you have friends / relatives who keep talking about his lack of desire to live, then its time to take them to a doctor.
How is bipolar disorder?
How is the disorder Bipolar? Much of this has to do with genes. Genetically, bipolar disorder is transferred to the next generation. However, research also shows it is not just genetics. Because, if one identical twin has the disorder, the other necessarily does. Therefore, a combination of genes, together with other factors. Unfortunately, there are no medical tests that can detect bipolar disorders. No analysis or blood test can help. The disorder can be diagnosed only by understanding the symptoms, family medical history, environment and so on.
The disorder can occur among children, adolescents and the elderly. Among children, the possibility exists that the diagnosis is a little harder, because it can be confused with the typical behavior other children like hyperactivity due to lack of attention, consistent disobedience, irritability, etc..
Can you treat the disorder Bipolar?
Yes, it sure can. We have seen that patients who obtain treatment achieve stabilization of their mood swings. They realize who have a mental illness but cope with it and thus lead a normal life. Treatment is done in two ways in which a medication and psychosocial therapies.
In the For those medicines as a treatment, mood stabilizers (medicines with the ability to stabilize mood) are administered for a period of time. The frequency and duration of medication can vary from person to person. The top most drugs used in this category is Lithium. It is safe lithium use even among children and adolescents.
The second type of treatment is psychosocial therapy. Here, the patient is generally spoken and advice is done. While a doctor should be able to prescribe the necessary medicines, would be advisable to take the help of a psychiatrist since the start of treatment.
Before entering any treatment, there needs to be full discussion between the patient and his family and the physician or psychiatrist. For example, if a pregnant woman suffering from bipolar disorder takes mood-stabilizing medications, which could affect the to-be-born. Some side effects may include weight gain, loss hair, lack of sexual desire, and so on. When these adverse side effects can be seen, the patient needs to approach the doctor and the advice of the psychiatrist, the change in dosage and course of medication.
Apart from medication and psychosocial therapy, a third form of treatment can also be used for people with chronic disorder. This is called electroconvulsive therapy can be used when the drug or psychosocial therapy do not work. It could also be used when the disorder is more severe leading to suicidal tendencies.
Conclusion
There is nothing to fear if they are affected with disorder. All you need is to talk to the doctor next door, taking her psychiatrist on trust. Follow the prescribed medication and treatment, you will notice a world apart. If you are a person living with someone with bipolar disorder, do not worry. Seek proper medical help and persevere. You shall be that arising from the force. Ensure that continued support even after treatment.
Author: Kitty Barker – Kitty often writes for and with Depression-Assistance. You can also see more information on this subject at Manic Depression – should this link be inactive, you can paste this link to your browser – manic-depression-assistance.com/
