What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include:
– Feeling excessively happy or “high” for long periods of time
– Having a reduced need for sleep
– Engaging in risky behaviors
– experiencing sudden and extreme changes in mood from extremely happy to very depressed
– having difficulty concentrating
– feeling restless or agitated
If you have bipolar disorder, you may have trouble functioning at work or school and be unable to keep up with social activities or your hobbies. Bipolar disorder can also lead to substance abuse and suicide.
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be managed with medication and therapy. With treatment, most people with bipolar disorder can live relatively normal lives.
What causes Bipolar Disorder?
The cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the condition. Bipolar disorder is also more common in people who have experienced trauma or stress, such as abuse, the death of a loved one, or a major life change.
How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed by a mental health professional based on a review of symptoms. There is no blood test or other medical test that can diagnose bipolar disorder.
What are the treatments for Bipolar Disorder?
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be managed with medication and therapy. Treatment often includes a combination of mood-stabilizing drugs and antidepressants. Therapy can also help people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
