Understanding bipolar disorder can be a very important aspect of self treatment of this serious medical condition.
For anyone with a bipolar disorder, knowledge is power.
By understanding the illness and its signs and symptoms a patient can actually take action to stop an episode from happening.
Simply stated, a bipolar disorder expresses itself by displaying abrupt and opposite (polar) mood patterns.
Bipolar disorder I is at times known as manic depression, a term used more frequently in the past.
It is a relatively common disorder that tends to follow a very irregular pattern.
There are different levels of bipolar disorders, but in all cases the individual will experience elevated moods of mania and deeply disheartened moods of depression.
These totally opposite mood swings is perhaps the most obvious characteristic of the condition and the one that needs to be studied in length when it come to understanding bipolar.
A lesser known characteristic is the way in which a bipolar disorder can affect an individual's energy and thinking levels and how they can be dramatically altered by this illness.
These polar "swings" can be very sudden and unexpected which makes it very difficult for the patient and the patient's family and friends to deal with.
To complicate things even more, the characteristics of this illness will possibly change over time.
So, once you have somewhat adjusted to its challenging characteristics, it changes again.
These abrupt transformations can cause much heartache and anxiety to the individual with the disorder as well as their friends and family if left untreated.
There is no evidence that race or gender has anything to do with this disorder.
What is known is that the first symptoms usually appear early in life, typically late adolescence, and that it tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic or environmental cause.
A bipolar condition must be managed for many years, in essence, a lifetime.
It can be very challenging to the family and close circle of friends involved and this is why understanding bipolar disorder is so essential.
Studies have shown that knowledge can arm both the patient and all involved with the skills needed to cope with the illness and in many cases prevent problems.
While describing bipolar disorder as an illness is accurate, it is not always acceptable.
This lack of acceptance is unfortunate, however.
This form of denial can prevent many people from obtaining the proper diagnosis, and therefore they do not get proper treatment.
As a person suffering from this disorder grows older, the episodes of mood swings may be more frequent and in closer proximity.
This frequency causes additional disturbance within the lives of the patient and their family, sometimes leading to financial crisis, divorce, and job loss.
These extreme "swings" can also cause life threatening bouts with severe depression.
This depth of depression can result in thoughts of suicide and eventually acts of suicide.
Though it may be difficult to accept that you or someone close to you may be suffering from a bipolar disorder, an accurate and professional diagnosis is crucial.
Fortunately, like most other illnesses there is medical treatment available for people with a bipolar condition and many options available to help manage it.
However, it is only when those involved start understanding bipolar disorders and the how to keep them in check that they can be successfully treated.
A bipolar disorder is an illness like any other and should be treated as such.
If someone has diabetes or heart problems they seek professional help.
It is unfortunate there many lives are ruined because of the stigma on personality disorders.
For anyone with a bipolar disorder, knowledge is power.
By understanding the illness and its signs and symptoms a patient can actually take action to stop an episode from happening.
Simply stated, a bipolar disorder expresses itself by displaying abrupt and opposite (polar) mood patterns.
Bipolar disorder I is at times known as manic depression, a term used more frequently in the past.
It is a relatively common disorder that tends to follow a very irregular pattern.
There are different levels of bipolar disorders, but in all cases the individual will experience elevated moods of mania and deeply disheartened moods of depression.
These totally opposite mood swings is perhaps the most obvious characteristic of the condition and the one that needs to be studied in length when it come to understanding bipolar.
A lesser known characteristic is the way in which a bipolar disorder can affect an individual's energy and thinking levels and how they can be dramatically altered by this illness.
These polar "swings" can be very sudden and unexpected which makes it very difficult for the patient and the patient's family and friends to deal with.
To complicate things even more, the characteristics of this illness will possibly change over time.
So, once you have somewhat adjusted to its challenging characteristics, it changes again.
These abrupt transformations can cause much heartache and anxiety to the individual with the disorder as well as their friends and family if left untreated.
There is no evidence that race or gender has anything to do with this disorder.
What is known is that the first symptoms usually appear early in life, typically late adolescence, and that it tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic or environmental cause.
A bipolar condition must be managed for many years, in essence, a lifetime.
It can be very challenging to the family and close circle of friends involved and this is why understanding bipolar disorder is so essential.
Studies have shown that knowledge can arm both the patient and all involved with the skills needed to cope with the illness and in many cases prevent problems.
While describing bipolar disorder as an illness is accurate, it is not always acceptable.
This lack of acceptance is unfortunate, however.
This form of denial can prevent many people from obtaining the proper diagnosis, and therefore they do not get proper treatment.
As a person suffering from this disorder grows older, the episodes of mood swings may be more frequent and in closer proximity.
This frequency causes additional disturbance within the lives of the patient and their family, sometimes leading to financial crisis, divorce, and job loss.
These extreme "swings" can also cause life threatening bouts with severe depression.
This depth of depression can result in thoughts of suicide and eventually acts of suicide.
Though it may be difficult to accept that you or someone close to you may be suffering from a bipolar disorder, an accurate and professional diagnosis is crucial.
Fortunately, like most other illnesses there is medical treatment available for people with a bipolar condition and many options available to help manage it.
However, it is only when those involved start understanding bipolar disorders and the how to keep them in check that they can be successfully treated.
A bipolar disorder is an illness like any other and should be treated as such.
If someone has diabetes or heart problems they seek professional help.
It is unfortunate there many lives are ruined because of the stigma on personality disorders.