bipolar-disorder-the-mental-illness

Life makes us experience many different types of emotions and feelings. Some people have a hard time transitioning from one mood to another. These people have bipolar disorder, a mental condition in which a patient experiences elevated episodes of mania followed by periods of depression. The transition between these moods occurs rapidly. Bipolar disorder is divided up into three categories, type 1, 2 and cyclothymia. In bipolar disorder 1 a patient experiences periods of mania followed by periods of manic depression. In type 2, the patient never experiences full mania, instead they have episodes of hypomania, a state which is like mania but less intense. These episodes of hypomania are also followed by episodes of depression. In cyclothymia the episodes of mania are not intense and do not cause severe mood changes. Patients usually alternate between hypomania and depression, both of which are not as severe as type 1 or 2. A patient experiencing a manic episode feels euphoria and an elevated mood. Energy is greatly increased and the need for sleep seems to disappear. Some patients can stay awake for days, while others only require 3 to 4 hours of sleep at night. Their thoughts seem to be racing, which lowers the attention span and a person can be easily distracted. A manic episode results in abnormal behavior that the patient would not do otherwise. This can often lead to things like substance abuse and promiscuity. Patients can also experience delusions and hallucinations, feeling as if they have been chosen for something special or been given a special task to complete. Feelings can range anywhere from anxiety to extreme amounts of euphoria and grandiose. People often feel as if they have no control over themselves. A manic episode can last anywhere from a few days to even a few months. These symptoms usually occur in patients suffering from type 1 of bipolar disorder. Type 2 bipolar disorder has similar symptoms but they are far less intense. A manic episode is usually followed by a period of manic depression. Although people experience a transition in mania and depression, depression is far more common. People experiencing manic depression often feel sadness and lack of energy. They feel no pleasure in the activities that they once enjoyed. This cycle of depression is hard for the patients to deal with. They feel a loss of self esteem and are at a higher risk of harming themselves or committing suicide. A depressive episode can last for over six months if not treated. Treatment of bipolar disorder can be effective in controlling the symptoms. Even with treatment a patient can still experience periods of depression and mania. The goal of most treatment methods is to help people cope with their rapid mood swings. Treatment helps the patient function as best as they can under mania and depression. A health care provider might also prescribe mood stabilizers to help the patient function better. Other medications such as anti-depressants and benzodiazepines are also prescribed to help patients control their moods. Certain support groups and therapies also exist to help the patients and their families deal with mood swings. They help the patient realize the symptoms they are experiencing and when they need to get help.You can read more here http://findbipolardisorder.com.