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Bipolar illness was once referred to as "melancholia" in the early 1900's and manic/depressive between 1950 and 1980. It then became known as Bipolar Disorder. Cyclothymia is usually the first stage of Bipolar Disorder; often occurring in childhood/adolescence. It is characterized by oscillating moods of depression and hypomania. It is cyclic and lasts for at least a year for children/adolescence and two years for adults (to be diagnosed.) "Hypomania" is a mood characterized by symptoms just below mania in which the person displays things such as hyperactivity, euphoria, vigilance, irritability and so forth. It can be pleasant for the person experiencing it but is often disturbing to others who find the unstable moods disconcerting. It can however lead to illness and can even be life-threatening if left untreated; as it usually always progresses to Bipolar II or Bipolar I. Cyclothymia is also referred to as Bipolar III.
Bipolar II is an advanced state of the Bipolar Disorder spectrum. It is characterized by extremes of mood from severe depression to hypomania. Bipolar I, (another form of it,) presents with a period or periods of full-blown mania. Mania is very serious and can be life-threatening. Some of the signs of mania are; continuous activity, not sleeping or eating, hyper-vigiliant behavior, inappropriate speech, dress and sexual behavior and even delusions and hallucinations. It is easily misdiagnosed as a form of shizophrenia. In fact, Bipolar Disorder is difficult and tricky to diagnose; as it is very easy to confuse with other psychiatric illnesses and even medical problems, such as a thyroid dysfunction. In the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, other psychiatric and medical disorders must be ruled out. Of course it is possible to have other things in conjunction with Bipolar Disorder, such as OCD.
In between episodes of mania and depression, most people are usually free of symptoms. People with bipolar disorder can function in most occupations with treatment.Persons with bipolar disorder do best when they follow the prescribed treatment.The outcome of bipolar disorder can be harmful without treatment because in mania, individuals are particularly at risk for injury and collapse. Ways to prevent injury during periods of mania are to keep things calm and reduce excessive stimulation.
To facilitate good quality sleep during mania, one should receive warm baths, soothing music and relaxation before bedtime. A good approach toward a person with altered thinking during mania is to be firm, supportive and simple in approach; avoiding power struggles. Ways to insure proper nutrition and self-care are to have favorite foods handy that are nutritious and high in calories and protein. To facilitate appropriate self-care, dress and hygeine give simple step by step directions for hygiene and dress. Social interactions are often disturbed in bipolar disorder because there is often an inability to delay gratification.
The main mood disturbance that is treated with medication in this illness is the mania and Lithium is the drug of choice for bipolar disorder.The medication Lithium works by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain chemistry but the specific way it alleviates symptoms of bipolars is unknown. Potential risks should always be discussed with one's physician; such as if one is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. It is crucial that blood levels be tested throughout treatment to maintain an effective dose as well as preventing an excess of Lithium; which can be toxic. It is critical to inform one's doctor as to what other medications, (and even herbs and rec. drugs) one is taking/using - due to possible drug interactions that can be toxic and/or dangerous. Even vitamins and over-the-counter medications must be brought up with one's doctor. Caffiene also affects how the medication works.
For the up to 40% of Bipolar clients that may not respond to or tolerate Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol may then be possibly the next medications of choice. As with Lithium, one must be monitored closely by one's physician and all other medications, etc. one is taking must be disclosed to the doctor due to potential drug interactions that may be toxic and/or even dangerous. If one is pregnant, planning to become pregant or breast-feeding, this must also be discussed with one's doctor. Once a person begins any medication for bipolar, it should not be stopped abruptly - as this may cause unpleasant psychological and physical side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
The following is a brief recap of Bipolar illness to clarify some things that I notice people have been having a little difficulty with because I don't understand why the difference between Bipolar I, II and III should be so confusing and between mania and hypomania (just kidding) - because it is VERY confusing and it took a while for me to get it and I am giving the class. lols'
Bipolar I is the worst form of the illness (as opposed to Bipolar II and III - cyclothymia), as it is characterized by periods of full blown mania. The term hypomania means just below a state of mania. Literally translated, it means "low-mania." Although depression is a part of being bipolar, it is the hypomania and mania that differentiates it from other illnesses such as clinical depression only.
Additional resources that can be used and may prove to be helpful;
- National Institute of Mental Health - www.nimh.nih.gov/
- Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation - www.bpkids.org/
-Depression and Related Affective Disorders Assoc. (DRADA)
www.med.jhu.edu/drada
-National Depressive and Maninc-Depressive Association (NDMDA)
www.ndmda.org/
-National Mental Health Assoc. (NMHA)
www.nmha.org
Whoopie! Now on to the CONTEST - YAAAAAYYYY!
Link to Contest - Bipolar Diversions (The Bipolar Tightrope)
http://allpoetry.com/contest/show/2446619
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Karen
