The Symptoms of Bipolar

Written by Ken P Doyle

Wednesday, 15 April 2009 01:45

There may be occasions when we feel happy for no apparent reason and want to sing and dance for joy. There are also times when all of us feel melancholic or sad. Mood swings are present in a lot of people but they do not happen everyday and not without reason. But in cases where people are ecstatic one moment then all of sudden fall into the depths of depression, then there is the possibility that they may be suffering from bipolar disease with bipolar symptoms present. There are false myths about bipolar disease and bipolar symptoms harbored by most people and that is why the truth about bipolar disorder must be known.

The Truth Behind 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.

In the mania phase, the patient may feel a burst of energy, may paint, sing or dance or quit his job or shop like a madman. The mania phase is characterized by the patient feeling euphoric for no apparent reason.

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.

The rate of affliction of bipolar disorder has increased with almost 3% of the adult population in the US suffering from this disease. The disease has been linked to family history and genetics but researchers are still trying to find out the true causes of bipolar disorder.

Its often observed that the onset of bipolar disorder takes place in the late teenage or early adult years. Hence, initially most people mistake the bipolar symptoms in teens as a typical adolescent behavior and dont pay much attention which makes the symptoms worse. Hence, early prognosis of this disease can enable the patient to lead a healthy life.

People with bipolar disease were often looked at as "mad" by most people in the early days. Being possessed by evil spirits was another perception that was given to them. But with the progression of new technology, these myths have been put to rest.

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

Having Bipolar Disorder doesnt give you the opportunity for a normal life " With the increasing number of bipolar disorder sufferers around the world having children, a great family and a perfectly normal life, we can clearly see that this statement is false. A capability to cope and manage the symptoms and a good support system is all that is required.

Patients afflicted with bipolar disorder are forever alternating between mania and depression: Manic and depression episodes do occur but there tend to be more depression episodes than mania. Most of the times, mania is so mild that its hardly noticeable. Many a times patients dont have any symptoms for a long period of time.

Bipolar symptoms and bipolar disease can be treated with medicines and therapy. However, along with these conventional cures, the love and unconditional support of friends and relatives can work wonders!

About the Author:

Ken P Doyle has had a marked interest in the field of Bipolar Disorder for several years. For further information, notably on Bipolar Disease and Bipolar Symptoms, visit his online web site now.

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