Bipolar (Manic Depressive Disorder) is one of the sub branches of depression and it consists of both depression and mania. "Mania is characterized by restless activity, excitement, laughter, self-confidence, rambling speech, and loss of inhibitions," as the textbook stated. There are also two types of Bioplar disorder, bipolar disorder type I is accompanied with manic episodes and type II is less severe with mild manic phases also known as hypomania. "Families can more easily accept schizophrenia, to understand that it is an illness. But when a person is sometimes very productive, then becomes unreasonable or irrational, it wreaks more havoc on the family. It seems more like bad behavior, like they won't straighten up," said Micheal Aronson M.D.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder varies depending on the person and intensity, many used to treat this disorder include Lithium ( most commonly used) , Anticonvulsants, antipsychotic drugs, Benzodiazepines, ECT, and antidepressants.
To help distinguish Bipolar Disorder for mood swings search for the following:
- Remember Bipolar Disorder focused on the severity and duration
- Is disrupting life completely?
- Are the actions that the person is taking drastic or out of the norm?
- Is the person of any danger to anyone?
I actually know someone who has bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed a couple of years ago, after they checked him into a rehab facility and in there, they found out he had bipolar disorder. I am not too sure, but I think he has Bipolar II disorder. He constantly has episodes where he thinks he knows everything and those feelings of grandiosity, increased irritability and a lot of impatience, along with very impulsive behaviors such as getting two girls pregnant around the same time. He is not able to work, so he receives a government check to help him financially. Before this decision was made, he actually had a job but lost it after having several episodes while at work. Bipolar disorder is to be treated carefully, and definitely not made fun of, because I too can say where I come from we also used the term incorrectly, only to find ourselves years later actually explaining to others what the real definition consists of.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic. Unlike you and nadia, i've never met someone who was bipolar. Actually let me rephrase that because i have met alot of people! As far as i am concern i dont think i have met anyone who is diagnosed with bipolar. This may sound a bit mean, but there are a couple people that im sure if they went to see a doctor i would not be surprised if they were. After watching the video and also reading from your blog I am more positive than ever. Sometimes i have to be VERY careful on how i should approach these people because their mood changes so fast. I usually watch them for a while before i begin to talk to them, thats how bad it is. Answering the questions to the ones you posted i am sure its not a mood swing but it does affect their life. They are constantly making/losing friends and have not been able to keep their jobs for very long. Its really sad! whats even sadder is that no one wants to point out their issues and suggest to them that they should seek some kind of help. i know its a tough thing to do because i can't even do it myself. I hope these drugs do really work so it help these people out. I can tell that its a tough disorder to live with. A lot of patience is needed.
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