Bipolar disease, also known as bipolar disorder, is a disorder of the brain that causes extreme highs and lows, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH. People with bipolar disorder tend to experience extreme mania or extreme depression. They typically are not able to experience regular emotions, such as to be a little happy or slightly sad.
Causes
Although bipolar disorder tends to run in families, scientists have not identified a specific cause. According to the NIMH, researchers have found that bipolar disorder is not the result of the presence of a certain gene and are working with brain-imaging techniques, such as MRIs, to gain more insight into its causes.
Mania
People who suffer from bipolar disorder have severe mood swings that can last for a few weeks or for many months, according to Mayoclinic.com. When people are experiencing bipolar mania, or emotional highs, they tend to have an inflated self-esteem, poor judgment, feelings of euphoria and extreme optimism, racing thoughts and rapid speech. During this phase, people may have an increased sexual drive, abuse drugs, not be able to concentrate and indulge in unsound behavior like shopping sprees.
Depression
When sufferers of bipolar disorder are experiencing the depressive phase of their illness, they tend to feel sad, hopeless, suicidal, anxious and irritable, says Mayoclinic.com. In addition, they can be plagued with guilt; have problems sleeping, eating and concentrating; and have little interest in their usual daily activities.
Types
There are two types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar II is more extreme than Bipolar 1. In Bipolar 1 disorder, sufferers have had at least one manic episode and may or may not have had former episodes of depression, according to Mayoclinic.com. Bipolar II disorder involves at least one depression episode and one hypomanic episode, in which sufferers become extremely irritable and have periods of depression that last longer than usual.
Treatment
Although the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, it is treatable. Once a psychiatrist or medical doctor identifies the disorder, they can prescribe medication, such as mood stabilizers, to control it, says Mayoclinic.com. Also, patients' thyroid levels may be monitored and stabilized, since sufferers tend to have abnormal levels. They can also engage in psychotherapy.
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