What is Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disorder that causes extreme mood swings between depression and mania. Depression is generally characterized by a lack of energy and motivation; mania consists of periods of high energy, unusual thought patterns,and sometimes psychosis. Those afflicted with bipolar tend to have episodes where these two feelings can both appear in their most extreme form. These episodes can last days, weeks or even months. A person experiencing mania may hastily quit a job or run up a credit card and may sleep only two hours a night. The same person experiencing depression may lack the energy to get out of bed and have deep feelings of hopelessness.
  
  

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a malfunction of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Most psychologists agree that it is genetic. About half of people diagnosed as bipolar have at least one blood relative with a similar mood disorder. Studies have shown that adopted twins with the same genetic makeup but raised in different environments are often likely to both have the disease. As a biological disorder, bipolar can lay dormant and be spontaneously activated. It may also be triggered by stress. It can appear at any age though the estimated average age for the disease's appearance is in the early 20s.
  
  

How Do You Get Bipolar Disorder?

• The simple answer is that you do not get bipolar disorder, you have it at birth. There are certain activities, however, that can increase the likelihood of an episode. Alcohol abuse should be avoided as it can trigger an episode. Alcohol and drug abuse can also be symptoms of the disease. Any kind of life event may cause an episode, especially those that cause one to contemplate their future. Manic episodes can be brought on by those susceptible to bipolar disorder by many different substances. Excessive doses of certain over-the-counter drugs such as appetite suppressants, cold medicine and even caffeine can cause the disease to come forward. (moderate use is usually fine) Certain prescribed non-psychiatric medications may cause an episode, such as thyroid medication. Also illegal drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines or cocaine have been shown to cause bipolar symptoms. Anyone who may show signs of bipolar disorder seek the advice of a medical professional.