Bipolar Disease

Common signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

• Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or extremely irritable

• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers

• Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic

• Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up

• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next

• Highly distractible, unable to concentrate

• Impaired judgment and impulsiveness

• Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences

• Delusions and hallucinations

Common sign and symptoms of Bipolar Depression:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.

• Irritability

• Inability to experience pleasure

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Physical and mental sluggishness • Appetite or weight changes

• Sleep problems

• Concentration and memory problems

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Three types or stages of Bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar 1 Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) – The classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually Bipolar 1 Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression.

• Bipolar 2 Disorder (hypomania and depression) – In Bipolar 2 disorder, the person doesn’t experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression.

• Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) – Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

How do you know if you have a Bipolar dissorder:

• You’ve experienced repeated episodes of major depression.

• You had your first episode of major depression before age 25.

• You have a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder.

• When you’re not depressed, your mood and energy levels are higher than most people’s.

• When you’re depressed, you oversleep and overeat.

• Your episodes of major depression are short (less than 3 months).

• You’ve lost contact with reality while depressed.

• You’ve had postpartum depression before.

• You’ve developed mania or hypomania while taking an antidepressant.

• Your antidepressant stopped working after several months.

• You’ve tried 3 or more antidepressants without success.

Three therapies for Bipolar Disease:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

• Family-focused therapy

Medication Treatment:

• Check in frequently with

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