Understanding Bipolar Disorder
UNDERSTANDING BIPOLAR DISORDER
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. It is also known as manic-depressive illness. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and very different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through. It is the third most common mood disorder after major depression and dysthymic disorder. It affects about 1% of adults during their lifetime. The symptoms of bipolar disorder typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood, continuing to recur throughout life. Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. The consequences of the illness can be devastating, including marital break-ups, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse. Bipolar illness is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse. Without effective treatment, bipolar illness leads to suicide in nearly twenty percent of cases. There are effective treatments available that greatly reduce the suffering caused by bipolar disorder, and can usually prevent its devastating complications. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. This causes people with bipolar disorder to suffer needlessly without proper treatment, for years or even decades. In addition, many patients do not respond to at least one drug, and many show no response to several. This means that combination treatment is often the rule. A combination of different drugs with different methods of action can be more effective without increasing the risk of side effects. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life. When treated properly, people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
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