Bipolar Disorder Among Adults

The bipolar condition manifests itself among adults through extremely volatile mood swings that sufferers are unable to fully control. A manic episode, marked by an elevated and irritable mood, often precedes a melancholy, anxious mood known as a depressive episode. This swing in mood occurs during normal periods of even temperament. Some bipolar individuals repeat these mood swings over and over again. This phenomenon is called rapid cycling and is very stressful for bipolar individuals. Bipolar disorder is known to occur in three distinct stages, bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia, with bipolar I being considered the most mild of the forms.

Bipolar disorder is often found among people who are artistically minded. During the manic phase, sufferers are outgoing, creative, and highly motivated, but these attributes vanish unexplainably during depressive episodes. A question many people ask is, “Were creative geniuses bipolar?” and it is generally believed that Vincent van Gogh suffered from bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is genetic in nature and is inherited from parents. The disorder can also be brought about by traumatic life experiences, such as enduring child abuse or living in a harsh environment.

Bipolar mood swings begin in later adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder may continue on in older adults, but manifests itself in slightly different ways. However, the bipolar disorder most often seen in older people is caused by neurological damage. The onset of bipolar disorder can also be caused from the inability of blood vessels to carry blood. This particular onset of bipolar disorder starts with people who are forty years old or older, and is especially prevalent among women.

People who were born in winter seem to be more susceptible to this condition, but evidence for this is purely anecdotal. The bipolar condition is also found often in people whose birth was complicated.

Bipolar disorder occurs in both genders, however, more women suffer from the most severe levels than do men. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and are unable to find work because of it, you may qualify for disability insurance.

Bipolar disorder affect adults differently that it does children, and anyone suffering from it should consult a professional for guidance on how to cope effectively.