Bipolar Disorder: The Sixth Largest Cause Of Disability In The World

You've seen this disorder take over a person in a television portrayal, while in the real world, it is sometimes spoken of in whispers and rumors. You may not be exactly sure what it is, but from what you?ve seen and heard, bipolar disorder isn?t exactly a positive situation. What it is, is a very frightening and dangerous condition.

Whether you have had personal experience with, or exposure to this disorder, or not, everyone should have a better understanding of bipolar disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Formerly refered to as manic depression, bipolar disorder is an occurance of mood disorders in which the affected person may experience one, or all of the following conditions: depression, mania or hypomania, and mixed states. True bipolar disorder is considered to be a disability, and those individuals who suffer with this problem, no matter how regular, or normal they may appear at times, are therefore considered disabled.

Cases of bipolar disorder generally fall into one of two categorized positions. Bipolar I, and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is regarded as being more acute. Should Bipolar I be left untreated, it could lead to a severly disabling condition.

What Is The Difference Between Bipolar Disorder And Unipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder deals with both elevated and depressive mood states. Unipolar disorder (also known as major, or clinical depression) differs in that it only deals with depressive mood states.

People suffering from bipolar disorder will experience extreme mood swings. Their moods will fluctuate from one mood to another greatly affecting their ability to function. The mood swings, also known as ?cycling,? usually affect the person?s cognitive functioning, energy levels, sociability, activity levels, and sleep patterns.

What Are The Dangers Of Suffering From Bipolar Disorder?

Sadly, the greatest danger of suffering from bipolar disorder is the high suicide rate associated with those people who suffer from it. In fact, those individuals suffering from bipolar disorder are up to three times more likely to commit suicide than those suffering from unipolar disorder.

Some symptoms of suicidal tendencies may include:

* The excessive use of drugs and/or the excessive consumption of alcohol

* Talking about feeling a need to end one's own life

* A feeling of hopelessness, along with the belief that circumstances and situations will never improve

* Feeling helpless and seeing themself as a burden to family and friends

* Deliberately placing one?s self in situations that could lead to serious injury or even death

* All of a sudden, putting one?s personal affairs in order. Preparing a will, giving away valued possessions, as if preparing to die.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Before any treatment is prescribed, a person suffering from bipolar disorder should first get an accurate diagnosis of their case. An accurate diagnosis provides greater understanding, and more effective treatment options.

Also an important part of the treatment of bipolar disorder is a good prognosis. It is absolutely necessary for the patient to locate an experienced doctor to diagnose, provide a prognosis, and constantly monitor, observe, and examine the patient.

If at any time a family member, friend, or caretaker witnesses a person suffering from bipolar disorder exhibiting any of the suicidal symptoms mentioned above they must do any of the following:

* Immediately call the person?s doctor, and/or take them to the nearest emergency room

* Never leave the person alone

* Keep the person out of any area that may have potentially dangerous items (knives, blades, sharp objects, etc.).

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internets most popular topics.

To read more on this topic, please visit Bipolar Information & Resources!

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