Bipolar Disorder

Also called Manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder like depression; in fact, major depression is one part of this illness. The other part is “mania”, which, simply speaking, is the opposite of depression. In mania, the patient has elated mood. One might ask, “What is wrong with that?” Well, feeling good and being confident is fine. But in mania, a person goes way beyond that; to the point where their judgement is significantly impaired, behavior is out of control and they appear to be out of their mind. When they come out of this state they are embarrassed and remorseful.

I will describe a manic episode. It usually starts with a decrease need for sleep. Soon the person has elated or irritable mood. They become more talkative and are difficult to interrupt. They choose to wear bright and colorful clothes, become socially disinhibited and some even disrobe in public. Even though they are very cheerful as evidenced by for e.g. singing, whistling and dancing but if one tries to confront or stop them they can quickly become angry as irritability is just beneath the surface. Many believe that they have extraordinary powers or abilities and some even claim to be a prophet or a president.

Now that the reader is familiar with both mania and depression; let me describe what happens in bipolar disorder. Usually the sufferer has episode of major depression lasting for a few weeks to few months. It then is followed by a period of feeling and acting normal, which can last from few months to few years. After which a person has a manic episode, which can last from one to several weeks. These cycles repeat themselves. The duration and severity of each episode varies from one individual to another and in the same person over period of time.

According to studies carried out in many countries, 1 to 2 percent of all people have this disorder. Treatment with medicines is effective both during manic and depressive episodes. There are other medicines - mood stabilizers, which are useful when used regularly in preventing these mood shifts.