Are you Bipolar and Manic?
Mania is a hallmark symptom of manic bipolar disorder. To be more precise, mania is a cluster of symptoms that are associated with one aspect of bipolar disorder. An episode of mania can quickly spiral out of control, causing a great deal of disruption and mayhem for the individual and his or her loved ones. As such, it is important to be familiar with the warning signs of mania. Fluctuations Between Mania and Depression Bipolar disorder is a disease -- it is a medical condition that causes psychological problems to such a degree that daily functioning is hampered by the symptoms. (See What Is Bipolar Disorder? for more details.) The most predominant symptoms come together into episodes that are extremes of mood known as mania and depression. These extremes are well beyond the normal mood fluctuations all people experience and are not proportional responses to life events. It should be noted there is a specific type of bipolar disorder known as bipolar 2 disorder that differs from bipolar disorder slightly because the mania is less severe, known as hypomania.
Red Flag Warning Signs of Mania
There are a number of warning signs of an impending episode of mania. If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you should be aware of these. By learning these early indicators, red flags will go up before a loved one rockets into a self-destructive whirlwind of mania. These symptoms of mania are organized into broad categories for easier reference: Increased energy
- Decreased sleep
- Little fatigue
- An increase in activities
- Restlessness
Bipolar Disorder Overview
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a type of mood disorder. Bipolar disorder was called manic depression in the past, and that term is still used by some people. It is a psychiatric illness that causes major disruptions in lifestyle and health.
- Everyone has occasional highs and lows in their moods. But people with bipolar disorder have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling very sad, despairing, helpless, worthless, and hopeless (depression) to feeling as if they are on top of the world, hyperactive, creative, and grandiose (mania). This disease is called bipolar disorder because the mood of a person with bipolar disorder can alternate between two completely opposite poles, euphoric happiness and extreme sadness.
- Symptoms of both mania and depression sometimes occur together, in what is called "mixed state."
- The extremes of mood usually occur in cycles. In between these mood swings, people with bipolar disorder are able to function normally, hold a job, and have a normal family life. The episodes of mood swings tend to become closer together with age.
- When a person is in the grip of this disease, chaos can occur. Bipolar disorder can cause major disruption of family and finances, loss of job, and marital problems.
- Severe depression can be life-threatening. It may be associated with thoughts of suicide, actual acts of suicide, and even acts of homicide in some cases.
- Extreme mania can lead to aggressive behavior, potentially dangerous risk-taking behaviors, and homicidal acts.
- A number of people with bipolar disorder may turn to drugs and alcohol to "self-treat" their emotional disorder, resulting in substance abuse and dependence.
Most people start showing signs of bipolar disorder in their late teens (the average age of onset is 21 years). These signs may be dismissed as "growing pains" or normal teenage behavior. On occasion, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, but the condition can often be misdiagnosed at this age and improperly labeled as a behavioral problem. Bipolar disorder may not be properly diagnosed until the sufferer is 25-40 years old, at which time the pattern of symptoms may become clearer.
Bipolar disorder occurs in both men and women. About 5.7 million people in the United States have the disorder. There is no racial group that is more afflicted by this disease.
Because of the extreme and risky behavior that goes with bipolar disorder, it is very important that the disorder be identified. With proper and early diagnosis, this mental condition can be treated. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that will require proper management for the duration of your life.
References:
About.com on Bipolar
emedicinehealth.com