Pathway's of Life

Pathway's of Life
There is always more than one and neither is ever clear.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) is a disease that affects a persons mood and generally causes rapids mood swings. People affected with bipolar disorder can experience extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression). Moods can also fall anywhere in between. People who suffer from bipolar disorder that are untreated or undiagnosed, often feel out of control. Their family often feels helpless.

Bipolar disorder symptoms generally start in the 20's, though studies are now showing signs in children and teens. Both men and women are equally likely to develop this disease, though men are less likely to seek help and treatment, if they do they are less likely to stick with the treatment program, often going on and off, which can increase the intensity and frequency of mood swings.

Signs and symptoms common to individuals in a manic phase of bipolar are:
  • Overly Excitable
  • Careless Spending
  • Careless Sex / Increased sex drive
  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Feeling of being on top of the world
  • Lack of Sleep - needing much less than is normal
  • Emotional Detachment and lack of consideration for other
  • Lack of control/ concentration
While not all of these symptoms may occur, these are typical signs. Each individual is different experiences different side effects of manic episodes. It is generally during this episode that an individual can experience relationship troubles in the for of detachment and adultery, financial troubles and troubles with the law.

Periods of mania can last for days, weeks and in some cases for months at a time. In some individuals they have rapid cycling episodes of mania and depression. This means that they experience at least four, maybe even more episodes of mania within a year (12 months).

The depression phase of bipolar, in many ways mimics that of the manic phase, though the signs and symptoms are different.

  • Excessive sleeping or insomnia
  • Irritability/ intense anger/ worry
  • Loss of concern with self and others
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Lack of sex drive
  • Feelings of loathing and self-hate
  • Loss of pleasure
  • Increased anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
Though these symptoms again, are just a general characteristic they are a good base to watch out for. Individuals suffering from a depression episode can have the same type of negative effect on their lives. They may suffer from financial problems, though for different reasons. An individual in a depression may call into work and lose income, where they excessively and recklessly spend in a manic episode. Depression can also lead to relationship struggles as the person regresses shutting out their loved one. Suicide is another important consideration when the person hits a depression, their risk greatly increases.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel like a life sentence for both the individual and their loved ones, but it doesn't have to be. With treatment, knowledge and patience an individual can overcome cycling mood swings and lead a productive life. Though statistically 2 out of 3 marriages end in divorce with a diagnosis of bipolar, it doesn't have to happen. The spouse of an individual with bipolar needs to be strong, stable and knowledgeable of the disease and they can help bring the marriage and relationship to a stable medium.

Though the road may never be totally smooth and the path may always have bumps both the individual and the family can have a positive and productive relationship.

***The information provided above is meant to inform, not diagnosis. If you have questions as the whether you may have bipolar, seek the advice a medical professional, they are qualified to treat and diagnose. ****
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What is dual diagnosis?

Dual Diagnosis is a medical term used to categorize a person that suffers from both a mental disorder or illness and a dependency such as alcohol or drug abuse.

It is common to find that a person who suffers from a mental disorder such as bipolar, also has a problem with drinking or drugs or vice-versa. Both disorders can lead to emotional, financial and relationship problems on their own, combing the two can be twice as difficult.

Most people who suffer from a dual diagnosis are often diagnosed with either the mental illness or a substance abuse problem first and the other is discovered later.

In the case of bipolar disorder and alcoholism, these two can often go hand in hand, complicating the lives and success of recovery by nature of the diseases. Not only do the two feed off of each other, they can impair the stability of an individual.

For example, alcohol abuse can make if very difficult to medically treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The alcohol is a self-medication that allows the individual to feel temporary relief from effects of bipolar disorder. This fix is only temporary and because of that, the individual needs the constant medication that alcohol offers, which leads to abuse. It is in this way that someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who has no prior history of a drinking problem can develop one.

Though a dual diagnosis can feel like a life sentence for the individual diagnosed and the ones who live with and love them, it doesn’t have to be. There is help available for both individuals and families. It is important though to seek treatment that can address both the issues. Treating just the bipolar disorder or just the alcohol may help temporarily, but won’t be sustaining long-term unless both or treated together.