The term “bipolar” is often bandied about by people who too casually describe someone as having such a condition. “He’s bipolar” says the amateur psychologist while describing someone. So for all you amateur “shrinks” and others interested in knowing more about what the bipolar diagnosis actually is, please read on. Manic-depressive disorder has been a previous descriptor of this condition.

Signs and symptoms of manic episode:

Increased energy, activity and restlessness. Excessively high, overly good, euphoric mood. Extreme irritability. Racing thoughts and talking fast, jumping from one idea to another. Distractability or lack of concentration. Little sleep needed. Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers. Poor judgment, spending sprees. A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual. Increased sexual drive. Abuse of drugs — cocaine, alcohol and sleep medications. Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior. Denial that anything is wrong.

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for one week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms of depressive episode:

Lasting sad, anxious or empty mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex. Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down.” Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions. Restlessness or irritability. Sleeping too much or inability to sleep. Change in appetite and, or, unintended weight loss or gain. Chronic pain or other persistent physical symptoms not caused by physical illness or injury. Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of two weeks or longer.

Causes:

Scientists understand that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder.  Many factors act together to produce the illness. Genes are part of the story. Bipolar illness tends to run in families. It is likely that genes act together in combination with other factors such as a person’s environment. A particularly hopeful method now being used to understand the disease is brain imaging. This imaging takes pictures of the living brain to examine its structure and activity.

Treatments:

Most people with bipolar disorder can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Bipolar disease is a recurrent illness and long term preventive treatment is desirable. A strategy that combines medication and psychotherapy is optimal for managing the disorder over time.

Mood stabilizing medications are continually being developed to help control bipolar disorder. Oftentimes a combination of drugs is needed to most effectively treat bipolar and related symptoms. A psychiatrist usually is best equipped to prescribe and monitor the appropriate medications needed.

Psychotherapy is the other piece needed to provide support, educate, and counsel to patients and their families. Types of psychotherapy employed may include cognitive- behavioral, psycho-education, and behavior modification. The psychotherapist works collaboratively with the psychiatrist on behalf of the patient.

Bipolar disorder is serious and debilitating. Bipolar is treatable. Awareness of the symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by knowledgeable professionals can mitigate its severity and help a person to live a life of balance and satisfaction

Dr. Stathas  can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantation

cable.net.