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Affective disorder,
mood disorder, or manic
depression
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- A bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings of both Depression and mania.
Mania is characterized by elation, fast moving ideas, little
need for sleep, and grandiose thoughts and behavior.
- Depression is defined
by feelings in the patient hopelessness, low energy, and no
desire or interest in everyday activities. He may become
suicidal. Or he may develop mania, characterized by excess
activity to the point of exhaustion, euphoria,
aggressiveness, and at times, a feeling of being super
human. Examples of manic behavior might be suddenly quitting
your job and going to Hollywood to become an actor (even
though you have no previous acting history or interest); or
deciding to run for president of the United States, even
though you have no previous political experience. An
individual in a manic phase may suddenly go on a massive
shopping spree, buying items that are not really needed.
- Hypomania is a less severe form of
mania that can occur with bipolar disorders. The disorder
can affect any age, but it is often triggered between ages
of 25-44. Both men and women are equally affected.
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- Sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of interest in work, sex,
family, interests
- Excessive sleep or Insomnia
- Difficulty with focus
- Inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of suicide or dying
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Changes in appetite
- There may be unexplained pains or aches
- Boundless energy
- Grandiose thoughts
- Thinking that one is important
and powerful
- Irrational, fearless behavior
- Fast moving thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Speaking too fast
- Going on spending sprees
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Going long periods without sleep
- Loss of self-control and good judgment with a desire
to engage in risky
behavior.
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- Unknown -- however, chemical
imbalances in the brain may be the cause.
- There may be a genetic
component. Having a parent with bipolar disorder may
increase the chance of having children with the
condition.
- See Depression and
mania
sections.
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- The goal of treatment is to stabilize mood and restore one's normal (prior to manic Depression) state.
- The two medications most commonly used to stabilize the mood swings in manic Depression are Depakote and
Lithium. Other medications may be added or used, some of which are listed below. All treatments are administered under the supervision of a psychiatrist, and are part of an organized treatment plan. Psychotherapy can be added to the treatment, and is very helpful.
- Depression:
- Acute treatment
- Chronic (long-term prevention)
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- Do not be afraid because treatment
can restore you to a normal state of mental health.
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