Before continuing reading this, counter-check your moods for the day. If it’s A-Ok in the morning and eventually “switches” to an aggressive swing, chances are, you are bipolar. But if you are doing fine the whole day, lucky you! 
What is bipolar? I have been intrigued with this word since I saw an article with the word “bipolar” in a man’s magazine. I thought it was a gender-bender thing disorder (I am still a newbie ) and surfing the net and encountering again this word, decided me to educate myself about it.
According to Dr. Rob (MSN Health & Fitness), “Bipolar disorder, which is sometimes known as manic-depressive illness, is best known for causing unusual shifts in a person’s mood and energy levels (several times per month, a few times per year, it varies depending upon the bipolar type). In fact, we often refer to this disease as bipolar spectrum disorders due to the many variations of symptoms. For example, some people may experience severe depression that alternates with bouts of manic behavior, while others may have cycles of depression alternating with hypomania, a form of mania that is less extreme and more difficult to notice. What we are looking for is the repetitive, cycling patterns of behavior. Here are some of the various symptoms in the spectrum:
Mania
• Racing thoughts
• Very little sleep
• Rapid speech
• Poor judgment
• Easily distracted
• Extremely high self-esteem
Hypomania
• Decreased need for sleep
• Can be highly motivated and productive
• Difficulty focusing
• Upbeat
Depression
• Lack of energy
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Re-occurring thoughts of suicide
• Changes in appetite
• Negative, pessimistic thinking
• Feelings of worthlessness…”
Now, that’s something great to find out, huh! Do you feel those symptoms already? Which type are you?
I am curious to know if Bipolar Disorder can lead to increase in high-blood level?
“Untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to extremes of behaviors. This seesaw of moods and unpredictable personality displays put a strain on even the best relationship. The end result may be a path of loneliness, regrets and broken-down friendships”, according to Dr. Rod. Ahem, it is a relationship-wrecker, SOAB!
And you think that Bipolar Disorder only affects us, adults? Read this. “Although bipolar disorder usually affects adults, there is substantial evidence that it also can occur in children. Making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children may be more difficult because its symptoms may be different in children and adolescents than in adults. In addition, some symptoms of bipolar disorder may be initially mistaken as normal mood swings or other psychiatric disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder.
However, unlike the normal turbulence of late childhood and adolescence, bipolar disorder is associated with severe difficulties in daily functioning at home and school and with peers.
A family history of bipolar disorder is associated with a greater risk of bipolar disorder in children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents include:
- Destructive outbursts
- Physical complaints, such as headaches
- Changes in school performance and relationships with peers
- School absences
- Substance abuse
If your child exhibits such symptoms, it is important that he or she be evaluated by a mental health professional that specializes in child psychiatry to establish an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Earlier intervention may prevent serious consequences and improve the course of bipolar disorder in children.” (Source: MayoClinic.com)
Wahaatttt??? So everyone isn’t safe from getting bipolar?! This is really serious. And seriously speaking, I am very much bothered knowing that these symptoms mentioned above are very common (meaning, almost everyone feels a sudden mood-swings, right?) and this emotions adds to a BIG chance of being affected by this syndrome.
I suggest, to all parents that they keep an eye on their children, focus on them more, give quality time that will extend a harmonious relationship and at the young age, children can get away developing Bipolar Disorder. If your child already has AD/HD, be more visible with him/her.
How to spot a bipolar? If you are on the top of a giant billboard in EDSA and you are decided to jump over a hundreds of kibitzers and news reporters on the ground, chances are, you are bipolar!
Drug treatment of bipolar disorder (By Harvard Health Publications)
One of the most troublesome psychiatric disorders has begun to succumb, in part, to medications. Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder is a challenge for physicians and psychiatrists because of its varied, severe, and constantly changing symptoms. But many drug treatments are available and can be adapted to the needs of individual patients.
The drug treatments
For many years, lithium (usually in the form of lithium carbonate) was the only accepted drug treatment for bipolar disorder. Now, many drugs have become available for various stages and phases of the disorder, and more than 80% of patients take two or more. There are no rigid rules for using or combining medications, but the following are common practices.
For a patient with severe mania or a mixed mood state, a clinician will usually prescribe lithium or the anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) drug valproate (Depakote, Depakene), often adding a second-generation antipsychotic drug. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is widely used; others are risperidone (Risperdal), ziprasidone (Geodon), quetiapine (Seroquel), and aripiprazole (Abilify). For milder symptoms, lithium or valproate alone may suffice, sometimes with the temporary addition of a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug, such as lorazepam (Ativan).
If symptoms persist, any of these drugs may be substituted or a new drug added — again, an anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, or lithium. If mania or a mixed state emerges despite treatment, clinicians will check blood levels of lithium, possibly add an antiepileptic drug or a benzodiazepine, and consider an antipsychotic drug. (Harvard Health Publications)
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