Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms of Manic and Depressive Attacks

Bipolar disorder is one of the most severe mental diseases.  It plays no favorites, effecting all ages and sexes indiscriminately.  People with bipolar disorder have mood swings that are extreme, going from manic (high) to severely depressed (low).  Manic symptoms include extreme happiness, or anxiety, an increase in physical activity, aggressive behavior, refusing rest or sleep, and rapid speech.  Depression includes apathy, extreme sadness, uncontrolled crying, loss of appetite, evidence of self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.  Episodes can last for a few weeks, or in the case of depression as long as six months.

The illness is sometimes very hard to diagnose, and many individuals are never treated because there is no set pattern for when symptoms manifest themselves. Bipolar episodes can occur as often as every few months, or as infrequently as every four to five years.  In addition, bipolar disorder is often confused (especially in children) with ADHD, Antisocial Personality Disorder, or Borderline Personality Disorder.  Another symptom that is often misdiagnosed includes recklessness that manifests itself in spending sprees, wild or erratic driving, extreme sexual behavior, and poor or risky decision making.

Bipolar disorder can be treated once a proper diagnosis is made. Treatment usually involves a combination of medicines to help balance out mood swings and reduce aggressive behavior, psychotherapy, and support.  Constant monitoring is required as statistics prove that most individuals stop taking their medication after one year of treatment.  Bipolar episodes can ruin a patient’s life and in extreme cases cause their death.  Hospitalization is often the only option in order to control extreme aggression or to prevent self-harm.  People suffering from bipolar disorder can lead happy, successful lives as long as they remain in treatment and seek the support they need.