Bipolar is an illness that causes stress and extreme mood changes. An individual or group that experiences bipolar symptoms has maniac episodes of high energy to the extreme lows of depression.

It is a psychiatric condition defined by extreme, often inappropriate and unpredictable mood swings.

These moods can occur on a spectrum ranging from debilitating depression to unbridled mania, and from a minor annoyance to lifelong disability. This disease is often difficult to diagnose, due to the complex nature of the disorder. Among the more than five million adults in America who have this disease and their “mood swings” can be extreme or frequent. These changes occur in cycles and are referred to as “episodes”.

Bipolar Disorder is a disease thought to be caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain. The symptoms and severity of the condition can vary, but with the proper treatment, Bipolar symptoms can be managed. On average, people with this disease spend ten years or more seeking treatment before finally getting diagnosed. One survey found that as many as 70% of people with Bipolar Disorder are initially diagnosed with a different condition. Often, this is because people only tend to seek treatment during a depressive episode and neglect to discuss manic symptoms with their healthcare professionals.

This particular mental illness does tend to run in families, although having a family history of the condition doesn’t necessarily mean a person will develop the disease.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help. While the causes of Bipolar Disorder are still unknown, the symptoms are thought to be triggered by an imbalance of some key chemicals in the brain.

There is nothing specifically that someone does to “get” Bipolar Disorder, nor is it anyone’s fault. Bipolar Disorder is a disease like other diseases that may simply occur in certain people.

A diagnosis for a major depressive episode requires having a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities a person usually enjoys. A Mixed episode includes symptoms of both manic and depressive behavior.

Bipolar Disorders are serious conditions, and each individual’s symptoms are different.

If their symptoms are not managed, friends and family may feel confused by their extreme changes in mood.

There is no cure however, there are effective approaches to help manage these symptoms. Some options may include talk therapy, group therapy, and prescription medication or any combination of these.
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