Bipolar

= Bipolar Disorder = Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder that gives you emotional changes and mood swings, from highs to lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania (an elevated or euphoric mood or irritable state) and depression. A person can experience the same mood state for weeks, months or possibly years at a time. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Sometimes during hypomania you have a greater sense of productivity.

Individuals in the depressed mood state experience loss of interest in activities and people. They also experience loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, lack of sexual desire, and an extreme loss of general energy. Their ability to concentrate and think clearly is also decreased. Work, social, and family relationships are almost always damaged. Feelings of worthlessness and helplessness are common, as is the feeling that nothing will every improve. While depressed individuals may or may not report feeling "down" or "depressed," the feelings they do experience are very painful.

Causes The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown. Individuals are more likely to develop a case of bipolar disorder if it runs in their family. Often times bipolar disorder is passed down from generation to generation.

Treatment The best known treatment for Bipolar Disorder is a combination of medication and therapy, antidepressants are commonly used. Education is a key component of treatment. The more you and your loved ones know about bipolar disorder, the better able you’ll be to avoid problems and deal with setbacks. Acupuncture is currently being studied as a complementary treatment for bipolar disorder. Some researchers believe that it may help people with bipolar disorder by modulating their stress response.

**Cyclothymic disorder** is a chronic, low-level disturbance of mood, punctuated by periods of depressive symptoms and periods of hypomanic symptoms. Cyclothymia often begins early in life, and people with the disorder may not know they have it; they may simply think of themselves as sadder and/or less energetic than other people, with occasional bursts of energy. Public Perception Many people do not accept the fact that people with bipolar disorder can not help themselves. If they have a spouse that has been diagnosed they often try to run from the problem, saying it is to difficult to deal with that person.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_diagnosis_treatment.htm http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm http://www.minddisorders.com/A-Br/index.html