Symptoms Of Bipolar Depression
Ok, last post on Bipolar disorder.....I promise!!!
What is Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)?
Bipolar disorder is the new name for what used to be called manic
depression.
It better describes the exaggerated swings of mood from one extreme to
another characteristic of this illness.
People with bipolar disorder suffer from recurrent episodes of elevated mood
(mania) and depression.
Some only experience attacks of mania, without the subsequent steep slide
into depression.
Episodes can range from mild to severe. The less severe form of elevated
mood or 'high' is called 'hypomania'. However, someone with severe hypomania
can still be very ill indeed.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Mania
Common symptoms of mania include:
a.. Elevated mood - the person feels extremely 'high', happy and full of
energy; they describe the experience as feeling on top of the world and
invincible.
b.. Increased energy and over-activity.
c.. Reduced need for sleep.
d.. Irritability - people in a hypomanic or manic state may get angry and
irritable with those who disagree or dismiss their sometimes unrealistic
plans or ideas.
e.. Rapid thinking and speech - thoughts are more rapid than usual, and
this can lead to sufferers speaking very quickly and jumping from subject to
subject.
f.. Lack of inhibitions - this can be the result of the person's reduced
ability to foresee the consequences of their actions.
g.. Grandiose plans and beliefs - it is quite common for people in a
hypomanic or manic state to believe they are unusually talented or gifted or
are kings or prime ministers, for example. It is common for religious
beliefs to intensify or for people with this illness to believe that they
are an important religious figure.
h.. Lack of insight - a person in a hypomanic or manic state may
understand that other people see their ideas and actions as inappropriate,
reckless or irrational. However, they are unlikely to recognise the
behaviour as inappropriate in themselves, due to a lack of insight.
Depression
Those people with bipolar disorder who experience depression as part of the
illness suffer from a severe form sometimes called 'endogenous depression'.
This type of depression can be triggered by a stressful or unhappy event,
but more commonly occurs without any obvious cause.
The person loses interest and pleasure in activities enjoyed before. They
may withdraw and stop seeing friends, avoid social activities, and cease
simple tasks such as shopping and showering.
They are overwhelmed by a deep sadness, lose their appetite, subsequently
lose weight, cannot concentrate and may experience associated feelings of
guilt or hopelessness.
Some attempt suicide because life becomes meaningless or they feel too
guilty to go on.
People with bipolar disorder who experience depression lose touch with
reality. They may hear imaginary voices. Others develop false beliefs
(delusions) of persecution or guilt, or that they are evil or wicked.
Endogenous depression tends to occur in mid-life and is more common in
women.
Normal Moods
Most people who have episodes of mania and depression experience normal
moods in between. They are able to live normal lives, manage household and
business commitments and hold down a job.
Of course, everyone experiences mood swings from time to time. It is only
when these moods become extreme and lead to a failure to cope with life that
medical attention is necessary.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder occurs in less than 1% of the population. Both men and
women have an equal chance of developing the disorder, although it is most
common in people in their twenties.
It is believed that bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of factors
including genetics, biochemistry, stress and even the seasons:
a.. Genetic Factors: Studies on close relations, identical twins and
adopted children whose natural parents had bipolar disorder have strongly
suggested that the illness is genetically transmitted, and that children of
parents with bipolar disorder have a greater risk of developing the
disorder.
b.. Biochemical Factors: Mania, like endogenous depression, is believed to
be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be corrected
with appropriate medication.
c.. Stress: Stress may play a part in triggering symptoms, but not in all
cases. Sometimes the illness itself may cause the stressful event (such as
divorce, or a failed business), which may then be blamed for the illness.
d.. Seasons: Mania is more common in Spring, and depression in early
Winter. The exact reason for this is not clear.
What Treatment is Available?
There are very effective treatments available for both depression and
hypomania.