Bipolar disorder: Symptoms, causes, treatment. Over the counter drugs

Bipolar disorder

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Bipolar Disorder

Overview of Bipolar Disorder

Overview of Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder or manic-depressive illness, is a chronic, recurrent illness associated with tremendous societal costs: increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, lower quality of life and suicide.^1,2

It is a category of mood disorders and is the most common severe persistent illness.

This condition is characterized by:

Periods of deep, prolonged and profound depression

Mania (medical condition characterized by extremely elevated mood, energy and unusual thought patterns)

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder shows episodes or severe mood swings of mania and depression. The intensity of bipolar symptoms varies from mild-to-severe.

Cause of Bipolar Disorder

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder has a number of causes contributing to it. Some of them are Genetics, Biochemical, Environmental.

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is difficult to detect. For some people, it may take 10 years or more to be diagnosed because of its dual nature. Bipolar disorder shares many signs and symptoms of other psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, thereby complicating the diagnosis.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Treatment can stabilize a person’s moods and helps the person to manage and control symptoms, as there is no cure for bipolar disorder. Treatment varies from person to person.

Prevention for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented but can be controlled with proper medication. Medication should be taken for life. Following are some guidelines to prevent depressive or manic mood episodes.

Eating a balanced diet

Exercising

Avoiding excessive travel

Maintaining approximately equal hours of sleep

Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs

Reducing stress at work and home

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder is like living with any other chronic medical condition like diabetes and hypertension. It can be kept under control with proper medications, education and support from family and friends.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 05, 2011

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