What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Question by hotmama50: What is bipolar disorder?
Best answer:
Answer by Mr. Curious
A chemical imbalancein the brain that causes an individual to oscillate between to extremes in their personality. One day they are on top of the world and EVERYTHING is wonderful. Food tases the best it has ever taseted, the joke they heard is the funniest one they’ve ever heard, their spouse is the greatest. And then the next day they are in the depths of despair with NOTHING being good or right or comfortable. They sink into helpless despair bordering on suicidal. Nothing is known to trigger these mood shifts and living with a bi-polar person can be one of life’s greatest challenges. “Annie” the nurse demonstrated some of these characteristics in the movie “Misery.”
However, proper medication can even out the mood swings and make life more bearable for these people and those around them.
Answer by you_me_us16
manic-depressive behavior
What is Bipolar Disorder?
The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.
Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. Without treatment, marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide may result from the chronic, episodic mood swings. The most significant treatment issue is noncompliance with treatment. Most individuals with bipolar disorder do not perceive their manic episodes as needing treatment, and they resist entering treatment. In fact, most people report feeling very good during the beginning of a manic episode, and don’t want it to stop. This is a serious judgment problem. As the manic episode progresses, concentration becomes difficult, thinking becomes more grandiose, and problems develop. Unfortunately, the risk taking behavior usually results in significant painful consequences such as loss of a job or a relationship, running up excessive debts, or getting into legal difficulties. Many individuals with bipolar disorder abuse drugs or alcohol during manic episodes, and some of these develop secondary substance abuse problems.
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