The Answered Patient: Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and sometimes devastating mental illness. It's characterized by extreme mood swings, which is why the disease was once known as manic depression. Today, nearly 6 million American adults suffer from the condition.

In this episode of "Say Ahh!" we'll give you the facts on bipolar disorder, including:

• Signs and symptoms of depression and mania
• Diagnosis
• Physiology of the disease

Unlike the range of emotions most people have, people with bipolar disorder experience frenzied mania alternating with deep depression, which can drastically interfere with everyday life. The onset of bipolar disorder is commonly an episode of depression. This isn't a normal "case of the blues," but something far more serious. The typical symptoms of depression in those with bipolar disorder include:

• Prolonged sadness
• Social withdrawal
• Thoughts of suicide

The polar opposite of depression is mania. When people experience mania, they often have feelings of heightened energy and creativity coupled with euphoria. And many don't even realize anything is wrong. The symptoms of mania include:

• Hyperactivity
• Reckless behavior
• Delusions of grandeur

Many people experience bipolar symptoms for up to ten years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, often because they fear the stigma of having a mental illness. And the longer people go untreated, the more severe -- and frequent -- the episodes can become. But doctors stress that there's nothing to be ashamed of -- bipolar disorder is a real disease, and with the right care, its symptoms can be controlled.

Though much is still unknown about bipolar disorder, research has shown that chemical imbalances in the brain play a key role in the onset of the disease.

While there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help those with this disease live full and productive lives. Be sure to watch our episode on "Treating Bipolar Disorder" for an in-depth look at the most effective treatment strategies.

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• Bipolar Disorder

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