Someone is having a bad day and is in a foul mood. Some thoughtless person shoots off about this person's bipolar kicking in again.
Similar statements about others' bad mood are usually erroneous. School kids annoy each other by pinning a bipolar label on each other without substantiating evidence and lack of professional qualifications of the assessor, giving the impression that bipolar disorder is as ubiquitous as the common cold.
Only about one percent of the adult population has this disorder. Some people are under the impression that bipolar disorder is a fairly new mental illness. This is not the case. It used to be known as manic/depressive disorder. I do not know why this has been changed to a less symptom descriptive term. Maybe it is for the same reason that stores have the need to change things around all the time sending us looking for items we used to know where to find.
Bipolar Disorder is classified as either Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder. The main distinguishing factors appear to be the absence of psychotic symptoms in hypomanic episodes of Bipolar II and less frequency of them during the depressive phase in Bipolar II. The diagnosis of Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode. The development of psychotic features is entirely possible down the road in manic episodes of Bipolar I.
No matter what, Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, a shift in energy and ability to function.
Most people can lead fully functioning lives between episodes, while roughly one-fourth remain occupationally and socially incapacitated. The symptoms can be severe, especially if left untreated, leading to impaired relationships, poor job or school performance and even suicide. There is strong evidence that Bipolar I runs in families.
Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, empty, pessimistic, helpless, hopeless, along with decreased energy, not enjoying previously enjoyed activities any longer, lack of focus, some memory loss, irritability, changes in appetite and sleep.
Symptoms of mania include racing thoughts, talking fast and nonstop, poor concentration, grandiose beliefs in one's own powers and abilities, poor judgment, abnormal behavior, drug abuse, less need for sleep and being fully energized like a certain bunny in battery commercials. Some patients like this state because they feel somewhat euphoric and get a lot of work done. The downside to this can be running away from home, e.g. to Las Vegas, go on spending sprees, partying all night, buying a dozen German shepherds and several high priced cameras.
Some employers attribute this drastic shift in mood and over activity as being drug related, and job loss can be a real threat for the bipolar person. Such relapses can be prevented if the patient stays on medication and remains in treatment, but when the bipolar person starts feeling better, the temptation is strong to stop medication and treatment, which results in relapsing back into a manic state.
With proper treatment, most people with Bipolar Disorder can achieve mood stabilization and can function well in society. It is important to have treatment ongoing instead of every now and then so that a full blown episode can be avoided during early symptom exacerbation with adjustment of the patient's treatment plan.
For the time being, there is no cure for this long term illness. Most widely used treatment consists of medication and psychotherapy., but it only works if the patient actively participates in his/her own treatment plan.
Evi Shaw is a licensed professional counselor in solo private practice, a diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association and an approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
Similar statements about others' bad mood are usually erroneous. School kids annoy each other by pinning a bipolar label on each other without substantiating evidence and lack of professional qualifications of the assessor, giving the impression that bipolar disorder is as ubiquitous as the common cold.
Only about one percent of the adult population has this disorder. Some people are under the impression that bipolar disorder is a fairly new mental illness. This is not the case. It used to be known as manic/depressive disorder. I do not know why this has been changed to a less symptom descriptive term. Maybe it is for the same reason that stores have the need to change things around all the time sending us looking for items we used to know where to find.
Bipolar Disorder is classified as either Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder. The main distinguishing factors appear to be the absence of psychotic symptoms in hypomanic episodes of Bipolar II and less frequency of them during the depressive phase in Bipolar II. The diagnosis of Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode. The development of psychotic features is entirely possible down the road in manic episodes of Bipolar I.
No matter what, Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, a shift in energy and ability to function.
Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, empty, pessimistic, helpless, hopeless, along with decreased energy, not enjoying previously enjoyed activities any longer, lack of focus, some memory loss, irritability, changes in appetite and sleep.
Symptoms of mania include racing thoughts, talking fast and nonstop, poor concentration, grandiose beliefs in one's own powers and abilities, poor judgment, abnormal behavior, drug abuse, less need for sleep and being fully energized like a certain bunny in battery commercials. Some patients like this state because they feel somewhat euphoric and get a lot of work done. The downside to this can be running away from home, e.g. to Las Vegas, go on spending sprees, partying all night, buying a dozen German shepherds and several high priced cameras.
Some employers attribute this drastic shift in mood and over activity as being drug related, and job loss can be a real threat for the bipolar person. Such relapses can be prevented if the patient stays on medication and remains in treatment, but when the bipolar person starts feeling better, the temptation is strong to stop medication and treatment, which results in relapsing back into a manic state.
With proper treatment, most people with Bipolar Disorder can achieve mood stabilization and can function well in society. It is important to have treatment ongoing instead of every now and then so that a full blown episode can be avoided during early symptom exacerbation with adjustment of the patient's treatment plan.
For the time being, there is no cure for this long term illness. Most widely used treatment consists of medication and psychotherapy., but it only works if the patient actively participates in his/her own treatment plan.
Evi Shaw is a licensed professional counselor in solo private practice, a diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association and an approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
