Coping with Bipolar Manic Depression

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a serious illness characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows. Bipolar manic depression can affect children, teens or adults. There are two types of episodes that make up this disorder -- depression and mania. Bipolar disorder falls into four different categories: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder and Unspecified Bipolar Disorder. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, the most common manifestation of this disorder is Bipolar II.

Bipolar I is more severe than Bipolar II, and is characterized by at least one episode each of depression and mania. There may or may not be periods of normal functioning in between these episodes. Bipolar II is different because instead of mania, sufferers experience hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of mania that can often be confused with happiness or joy as it is usually quite pleasurable. The problem occurs when symptoms affect performance at school or work, or lead to impulsive behavior that is damaging or dangerous. One characteristic of hypomania that can distinguish it from normal emotion is that it persists for more than four days. The two other types of bipolar disorder, Cyclothymic and Unspecified, are only diagnosed after Bipolar I or II is ruled out as they are milder and/or less definitive in nature.

If you or a family member are experiencing noticeable patterns of depression alternated with mania or hypomania, you should seek help from either a doctor or a psychiatrist. You may need to visit both to effectively evaluate and treat your condition. For example, your doctor may want to run bloodwork or other tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. After that, your doctor or psychiatrist may use a variety of questions and tests to complete the diagnostic process.

Getting prompt help for bipolar manic depression is important. With the right treatment, you can expect to lead a normal life. Often, this disorder can be effectively treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed, and sometimes used in conjuction with antidepressants or antipsychotics. Sometimes it is necessary to test different medications before the best one is discovered. Your doctor will weigh all the pros and cons of various treatment options before recommending the best choice.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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