Rapid cycling bipolar disorder occurs in an individual when the symptoms of bipolar disorder occur on an increased frequency. Generally, an individual with this type of disorder experiences episodes of depression or mania four or more times within a twelve month time frame.

It has been estimated that almost six million people within the United States suffer from this disorder, and approximately 10 to 20 percent of those with the disorder have rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Those who have been diagnosed with a bipolar II disorder have an increased chance of experiencing rapid cycling.

The symptoms of rapid cycling bipolar disorder, or any type of bipolar disorder, generally begin to occur when the individual is between the ages of 18 to 24, although these numbers are only an approximation. The two most defining characteristics of the disorder include at least one episode of mania in the patient’s lifetime and frequent, recurring bouts of depression. With bipolar disorder, frequent bouts of depression are interspersed with periods of mania or an elevated mood. Rapid cycling can be particularly difficult to diagnose in individuals. Because these individuals spend the majority of their time depressed, they are often misdiagnosed with simple depression.

When it comes to rapid cycling bipolar disorder, most treatment regimens are aimed towards treating and alleviating the depression. Common drugs that are prescribed for this disorder include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. However, in a small percentage of individuals, the use of these drugs can often aggravate the symptoms of the rapid cycling. If this occurs, then mood stabilizers will often be prescribed in conjunction with the antidepressants. The most serious side effect of this type of bipolar disorder is suicide. With this disorder, an individual’s chances of attempting suicide increase 10 to 20 percent more than the average person.

Children and adolescents who suffer from pediatric bipolar disorder tend to exhibit either manic or depression symptoms. Commonly, periods of mania are followed by periods of depression. In most instances, these pediatric bipolar disorder symptoms begin to manifest themselves in a child between the ages of fourteen to eighteen. In almost all cases, the disorder will have fully developed by the time the child reaches the age of twenty five. Common manic symptoms include engaging in risky behaviors, being easily distracted, severe changes in mood, and an unexplainable increase in energy.

The most common depressive symptoms include loss of enjoyment in favorite activities, thoughts of suicide, low energy levels, and major changes in eating or sleeping patterns. If an individual’s child has symptoms matching the aforementioned ones, then he or she may need to take their child to be tested for pediatric bipolar disorder. Although rare, it is not unheard of for these symptoms to develop in children who have not yet reached adolescence.

Although the illness can affect any individual, it most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults who have a close family member that suffers from major depression or bipolar disorder. Traumatic life events or a familial history of drug and alcohol abuse can also place a child at a higher risk for developing this disorder. Pediatric bipolar disorder can only be accurately diagnosed by a mental health professional.

The treatment of this pediatric bipolar disorder usually involves the consumption of mood stabilizing drugs, such as lithium or valproic acid. It is also common for patients with this disorder to receive psychotherapy. The therapy is critical in enabling a child to understand their disease, adapt to different stress triggers, and to build self esteem and relationships with others. It is a serious illness; however, it need not serve as a deterrent for a child to lead a normal and productive life.

Here are some helpful books on childhood and teen bipolar disorder.

The Bipolar Teen: What You Can Do to Help Your Child and Your Family by David J. Miklowitz PhD and Elizabeth L. George Phd.

What Works for Bipolar Kids: Help and Hope for Parents
by Mani Pavuluri MD PhD.

Bipolar disorder is overwhelming not only for the child, but also for the friends, family, and loved ones who are close to the patient. Parenting a bipolar child, especially when there are other children in the home, can seem downright impossible at times. However, there are several simple rules that parents can incorporate into their home life to make the process easier.

The first step is to treat your bipolar son or daughter as an individual. Each small accomplishment should be celebrated. This disease should not be allowed to become the child’s identity.

The second step is to encourage the bipolar child to engage in a variety of activities. Bipolar children tend to obsessively fixate on one activity at a time. It might as well be a healthy one. Opening the doors to music, sports, and academics can be beneficial to your son or daughter in numerous ways; however, it is important to restrain from forcing the activities on a child. Music and other art forms are often used as a method of bipolar child treatment.

It is also a beneficial form of bipolar child treatment to assign the child tasks that provide a sense of purpose and self esteem. Simple jobs around the home will increase the self confidence levels of a child in the home, as well as outside of it.

If trouble arises with your child, do not hesitate to help. Often bipolar children are lead to experiment with alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors. While it is important not to become an enabler in these situations, the bipolar child should know that they have help available to them when it is needed.

Most importantly, love should never be withheld from a child as a punishment. Parenting a bipolar son or daughter can be a difficult challenge, but it should also be an enjoyable time for both parties involved.

Here are three helpful book resources for raising a bipolar child:

The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder by Janice Papolos

Bipolar Kids: Helping Your Child Find Calm in the Mood Storm by Rosalie Greenberg

Positive Parenting for Bipolar Kids: How to Identify, Treat, Manage, and Rise to the Challenge by Mary Ann McDonnell

Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder often feel as though they are suffering alone; however, this misconception is simply not true. Statistics about bipolar disorder, gathered by the National Institute of Mental Health, reveal that approximately 5.7 million individuals in the United States are afflicted with this disorder. This amounts to almost 2% of the population.

In the majority of patients, the disorder’s symptoms become apparent and full fledged by the age of twenty five. However, a small portion of these individuals, roughly 10% of bipolar patients, do not see an onset of symptoms until they reach their 40’s or 50’s. Another study conducted by the NIMH revealed that two thirds of individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder have at least one close relative who suffers from this affliction or who has suffered from major depression. Although scientists are unsure as to why, this same study also suggested that women are two thirds more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder than men.

Other bipolar disorder statistics show that children who have two parents who suffer from bipolar disorder are 55-75% more likely to develop this disorder than their counterparts. This percentage drops to approximately 15-30% if only one parent has bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder also leads to an increased risk in suicide for patients. According to the World Health Organization, one in five people who have bipolar disorder will commit suicide. Even those who do not commit suicide have, on average, a life span that is 9.2 shorter than that of an non-afflicted counterpart.

If an individual has a parent or child who suffers from depression or is at an increased risk for developing this disorder, then educating themselves about the disease, and its associated statistics, is a necessary step in order to combat the disease.

Treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy can be a tricky path to undergo. While the doctor does not want to prescribe a medication that could potentially result in a malformed fetus, neither does he want to allow the pregnant bipolar patient to suffer a relapse due to lack of proper medication.

Most psychotropic medications that are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder contain teratogens. Teratogens are harmful pathogens that could negatively affect a child’s development. On the hand, untreated depression or mania during pregnancy has been scientifically linked to low birth weight, early pre term delivery, and dangerous, high risk activities on the part of the bipolar mother that could endanger her or the baby.

There are three primary mood stabilizers that the FDA recommends for bipolar women who are experiencing pregnancy: lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine. All three of these drugs are classified “D”, which means that there is some risk of exposure to teratogens for the fetus; however, the benefits outweigh the risks.

These drugs are primarily thought to increase the fetus’s chances of incurring heart valve damage; however, it is thought this class of drugs will not affect a fetus’s mental development. Another option that a doctor has for treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy is to employ the use of antipsychotics. These Class “C” drugs are often used to treat mania of women because of their sedative properties.

Although they are considered milder than Class D drugs, fetal risk of exposure to teratogens cannot be ruled out. Antidepressants are often used for those with bipolar disorder who lapse into depression during pregnancy. However, because antidepressants do not contain teratogens, they are thought to be significantly safer for a fetus than Class C or D drugs.

A pregnant bipolar patient should consult her doctor for an individualized treatment plan for treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy.

One book that will be helpful for bipolar expectant mothers is Bipolar and Pregnant: How to Manage and Succeed in Planning and Parenting While Living with Manic Depression.

Risk factors for bipolar disorder are conditions or hereditary dispositions that increases an individual’s likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. The more risk factors that a person has, the greater their likelihood of contracting this disease is. Genetics is the one of the largest risk factors for bipolar disorder. An individual who has a blood relative who suffers from bipolar disorder is four times more likely to develop bipolar disorder than a person who does not have such a relative. The statistics are similar for those who have relatives who suffer from minor to major depression.

Bipolar disorder usually develops in individuals between the ages of 16 to 24. It is thought by the medical community that bipolar disorder may also develop as a person’s response to stressful or major life changes, such as the death of a loved one or extended periods of stress. Scientific studies are currently underway to determine the role that drug and alcohol abuse play as a bipolar disorder risk factor.

Although doctors are unsure as to why, certain diagnosed childhood and adolescent ailments may lead to the development of bipolar disorder in an individual later in adolescence or in young adulthood. These ailments in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, social phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and physical health problems, such as obesity.

Different types of medications, such as those for corticosteroids and certain thyroid conditions, and certain medical conditions can present with symptoms that similar to that of bipolar disorders. These potential causes for concern should be eliminated before the official diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made. Certain factors, such as an individual’s gender and birth order, may also place them at an elevated risk for the development of bipolar disorder. On average, women tend to have higher instances of cyclothemia and rapid mindset cycling that are associated with this disorder.

A bipolar mood swing chart is a chart that allows an individual to record information on an individual’s mood, average nightly amount of sleep, and their medications.

Many psychiatrists and psychologists recommend that their patients maintain bipolar mood charts in order to track the severity and frequency of their episodes or to track how effectively a medication is working for an individual. It also allows a person to track, identify, and detect mood swings early on. The first step in creating this mood charting, an individual should begin by starting a journal. Their entries should describe their energy levels and mood status daily. However, a person can also effectively use a wall calendar if they do not wish to record each minute detail.

Quick and accurate notes on a calendar will suffice. Other information that should be included in the journal is a person’s stress levels, their moods, any possible feelings of depressions, and what medications they have taken that day.

A bipolar mood chart should also record a person’s sleeping patterns. An adequate amount of sleep is an essential component of combating bipolar disorder. The amount of hours that a person sleeps a night should be noted, as well as any feelings of sleepiness or crankiness a person feels before going to sleep or upon waking up.

At the end of the month, an individual should write down their monthly numbers for overall moods. Other physical details, such as a person’s weight, should also be written down. Extreme fluctuations in weight and other physical characteristics can be indicative of developing problems. A person should also look at their progress each month. If disturbing patterns or trends are emerging, then he or she should consult their primary care physician immediately. Their doctor will be able to analyze the data further and devise an appropriate course of action.

Bipolar patients may be prescribed at one point or another chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline tablets. Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline can be beneficial to some with bipolar disorder because the drugs treat anxiety and depression.

What is chlordiazepoxide? What is amitriptyline? Amitriptyline falls under the category of tricyclic antidepressants drugs. Chlordiazepoxide, the generic for librium, is under the category of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Here are some benefits and side effects of librium, chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline.

Benefits
Amitriptyline hydrochloride helps balance out chemicals in the brain. This is beneficial to bipolar patients with chemical imbalance.

Chlordiazepoxide also balances chemicals in the brain. It addresses a root cause of anxiety and tension in some bipolar disorder patients.

Both drugs are combined in tablet form. This makes it easy for patients to receive this combination drug.

Side effects
Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline can cause a number of side effects including allergic reaction, facial swelling and hives.

Less serious side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision and constipation.

Serious side effects are pounding or uneven heart rate, chest pain, sweating, nausea, headache and weakness.

There are other side effects that can occur from taking chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline. Get medical help if you experience any of these side effect symptoms.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when treating your bipolar disorder is choosing a therapist or psychiatrist to consult with as your mental health provider. For the best possible outcome for your mental health, be careful to choose a doctor that fits your needs.

Here is how you can choose what mental health provider(s) you’ll need to best treat your bipolar disorder.

There are a number of different types of mental health providers you can choose to visit. You could see a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The type you choose depends on you and your therapy and medication needs.

When choosing the type of mental health provider you need and when, take a look at your symptoms, your health insurance coverage and if you need medication for your bipolar disorder, which you most likely will as you can experience mood swings ongoing.

Psychiatrist for treating bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, you will have to stabilize your moods with medication. A psychiatric can talk with you about the types of bipolar medications you’ll need to keep your mood disorder in check. A psychiatrist can adjust your bipolar medication dosages accordingly.

Therapist / Psychologist for treating bipolar disorder.  A therapist or psychologist is beneficial for a person with bipolar disorder that needs to discuss problems and situations going on in their every day life, such as work, family and marriage issues. These mental health providers help to get to the root of issues and provide new ways of looking at things. Family and marriage counseling can include the family of the bipolar patient.

Combination of both for bipolar therapy. Some people with bipolar disorder regular see both a psychiatrist and psychologist to meet their mental health needs. The way you schedule your appointments depends on your specific needs and the frequency you feel you need bipolar disorder therapy.

Even if you don’t know at the beginning what type of mental health team you’ll need for your bipolar disorder therapy, you’ll find out what works for you along the way.

If you have a husband or wife with bipolar disorder, you may wonder if your bipolar marriage can survive. There is hope for bipolar marriages. So the answer is yes, bipolar marriages can be saved and do quite well with hard work.

Bipolar statistics show that bipolar marriages have a 90 percent failure rate, meaning only 10 percent of bipolar marriages survive. This accounts for those bipolar marriages that are recorded in studies. There are thousands of other marriages where one or both parties may have bipolar disorder, but never had a bipolar diagnosis.

The dim statistics shouldn’t stop you from trying to fight for your bipolar marriage.

Here are some things you can do to help save a bipolar marriage.

1. Seek marriage counseling to help a bipolar disorder. If you are bipolar or if your husband or wife is bipolar, you can seek marriage counseling to sort through some of the issues you two may be experiencing. This will give you a chance to hear from a trained therapist who knows about bipolar disorder and its effect on marriages. Marriage counseling also gives you an outside view into your marriage.

2. Take vacations to help your bipolar marriage survive. One way to help save a bipolar marriage is to take time away from the day to day tasks of everyday life, including the stress of a bipolar marriage. Take trips away together and also mini trips away from each other.

If you travel without your husband or wife, go on a short trip away with another family member or friend. This will give you some time to decompress and miss your spouse. Don’t leave on a solo trip in anger though. Take a solo trip with the thought process of getting some rest and relaxation to rejuvenate yourself to return back to your spouse.

3. Forgive each other to help a bipolar marriage. Another way to help a bipolar marriage survive is to forgive one another quickly. When your bipolar spouse does something wrong, forgive him or her. Forgive the bipolar husband or wife regardless if they’ve asked for forgiveness or not. The bipolar husband or wife will remember that they have your unconditional love and that will help them to try focused on their treatments and therapy. If you are bipolar and your spouse does something wrong toward you, forgive them as well. Keeping a positive attitude and clear mind is good for your health.

Bipolar disorder and manic depression has been the topic of several Hollywood films. Here are the best of the fiction movies about bipolar disorder. You may find some similarities in the stories of these movie characters in your own life or your loved one’s life.

A Fine Madness

The first on the list of bipolar disorder fiction movies is A Fine Madness. A Fine Madness was released Sept. 23, 1966 and stars Sean Connery, Joanne Woodward and Jean Seberg. In this fictional movie about bipolar disorder, A Fine Madness tells the story of a frustrated poet, Samson Shillitoe. Shillitoe is a woman magnet who is behind in alimony payments. Shillitoe lives with a woman named Rhoda, a waitress, who is very supportive of him. Rhoda tries to get Shillitoe to see a psychiatrist when he has a breakdown because he can’t seem to finish one of his big poem projects. A Fine Madness is 104 minutes in length.

You can purchase A Fine Madness from Amazon.

Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones, released, Oct. 3, 1993, is a film about a man who seeks treatment from a female psychiatrist. The psychiatrist, Dr. Elizabeth “Libbie” Bowen, steps over the line of patient, doctor relationship when she falls in love with Mr. Jones. Richard Gere plays the role of Mr. Jones and Lena Olin plays the part of Dr. Bowen. The movie Mr. Jones is 114 minutes in length.

Mr. Jones is available from Amazon.

Blue Sky

Another one of the best fiction movies about bipolar disorder is Blue Sky. The movie Blue Sky is about a military couple, Hank and Carly Marshall. Hank Marshall is an Army engineer under a lot of pressure because he has taken a stance against nuclear testing. His wife, Carly, has a mood disorder which causes a lot of havoc at each new Army base. Blue Sky was released Sept. 16, 1994. It stars Jessica Lange has Carly Marshall and Tommy Lee Jones as Major Henry “Hank” Marshall. Blue Sky is 101 minutes in length.

You can purchase Blue Sky from Amazon.

Mad Love

Mad Love is another film on the list of best fictional movies about bipolar disorder. In this teen film, Matt Leland,  straight laced good boy falls for Casey Roberts, a young lady dealing with mental issues. So much so that her parents check her into a mental hospital. Matt and Casey decide to run away together. Mad Love stars Drew Barrymore, Joan Allen and Chris O’Donnell. Based on reviews of the movie Mad Love, Barrymore has done a good job of portraying someone with mental illness. The movie has a run time of 93 minutes. It was released May 26, 1995.

Purchase Mad Love from Amazon here.

Bulworth

Bulworth is the last on our list of bipolar disorder movies, but certainly not the least. The movie Bulworth is about a senator, Senator Jay Bulworth, who has a manic depressive and suicidal episode during his re-election campaign. This movie has been reviewed as funny and clever in its approach. Bulworth stars Warren Beatty, Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Oliver Platt. It was released May 15, 1998 and is 108 minutes in length.

You can purchase Bulworth from Amazon.

Studies have shown that married people are overall healthier than unmarried people. Improved mental health is one of those benefits. Even for those with bipolar disorder.

Here are three ways marriage can help improve mental health for those with bipolar disorder.

Marriage leads to healthier behaviors. If you have a supportive spouse, he or she can encourage you to take better care of yourself mentally and physically. Married people tend to drink and smoke less than single people. By reducing these potentially harmful behaviors, you can increase your mental wellness and stabilize your bipolar disorder moods.

When you’re feeling down, a spouse can cheer you up and motivate you to get counseling and/or psychiatric help if you’re experiencing depression or bipolar mood swings. Married people have an increased chance of having and sustaining access to health care insurance, which would include mental health care including treatment for bipolar disorder.

Marriage provides a sense of purpose. Marriage doesn’t define a person, but it can help provide you with a sense of purpose. Having someone to build a common life goal with and to support you in your personal dreams can help you feel good and increase your self esteem. A healthy marriage also fosters social connection, provides emotional stability and an increased quality of life.

Marriage lowers the risk of suicide. Studies have shown that married people have a decreased risk of suicide. People that are single, separated, widowed and divorced are three times more likely to commit suicide. One reason is because marriage buffers depression. A loving, secure relationship goes a long way in boosting your mood. Having someone there for you to laugh with, cry with and share in your struggles helps provide some comfort and shelter from the struggles of everyday life.

Keep in mind that marriage is not the be all and end all solution to one’s mental issues or bipolar mood swings. It can, however, contribute greatly to improving your overall mental wellbeing.

For people genetically at risk for manic depression, symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder can manifest in a person’s late teens or early twenties. Many people experience their first bipolar symptoms as they enter adulthood.

Because of hormonal changes teens go through it can hard for a parent or loved one to tell if their teenager is bipolar or just experiencing some natural moodiness. If bipolar disorder of mental illness runs in the family, it can send a parent or the teen into panic mode about the teen’s moodiness. It can make a person question if the teen is bipolar or not. That’s where a qualified mental health professional steps in to help.

If you have a teen, or you’re a teen wondering if you have bipolar disorder, check out these symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers.

Signs of mania in teens include a decreased need for sleep, increased energy, racing thoughts, poor judgment, a heightened mood, lots of irritability, aggression, having trouble concentrating and acting recklessly.

Signs of depression in teens include if the teen has lost interest in the usual things he or she has had interested in, drop in grades, loss of appetite, excessive worrying, overeating, thoughts of suicide or death and low energy.

Bipolar disorder symptoms in teens can be different from adults in that the teenager may experience rapid cycling more often going from mania to depression with the day.

If you are a teen and think you have bipolar disorder or depression, talk with a parent or another trusted adult to ask for help. You can get the diagnosis you need to get help for how you’re feeling. Being moody because of hormonal changes can be a part of growing up, but seek help if you feel as it’s something deeper than that.

There are numerous books to help teens with bipolar disorder. Here are a couple suggestions:

The Bipolar Teen: What You Can Do to Help Your Child and Your Family

The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families: Real-Life Questions with Up-to-Date Answers

Growing up with a bipolar parent can be very difficult and hard. If you have a bipolar mother or father, there are a number of things you may have experienced growing up in your household. For many, this firsthand experience is their introduction to bipolar disorder and its potentially dire effects on the family structure.

One of these experiences with a bipolar parent includes witnessing his or her mood swings. As a child or young adult you may have not understood why your mother or father behaves the way they do. It is not uncommon to search for all the information on bipolar disorder to get a better grasp on what’s happening with you loved one. With more books on manic depression and the advent of the Internet and its wealth of information, you can now find out all you need to know to better understand your bipolar parent.

A bipolar parent may act out taking some of their depressed or manic behavior out on their spouse, you or your siblings. These moods are not to be taken personally. It is also best to not purposefully provoke a bipolar parent. A stable home life is key for a mother or father with bipolar disorder.

Some children of bipolar parents harbor some resentment toward the ill parent if they don’t take responsibility and take care of their mental health. Consider talking with a therapist if you feel as though you have some resentment toward the way your parent acts. Hopefully they are doing the best they can to remain stable in their moods. If not, have love and compassion for your parent and realize that they do have a mental illness they didn’t ask for.

One of the key concerns of children of a bipolar parent is if they will develop the disorder. And this is a possibility since bipolar disorder is thought to be largely genetic. Don’t live in fear of the disease though. If your bipolar mother or father takes care of themselves, follow their example if you do indeed also have bipolar disorder. If your bipolar parent doesn’t take care of themselves, vow that you’ll do a better job of taking care of yourself.

Future articles on the Bipolar Advice Guide will break down the various aspects that may arise in a household with a bipolar parent as well as how to cope and show support to your mother or father.

Here is a book suited for children with a bipolar parent:

The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder

Being involved in a bipolar marriage can be one of the toughest challenges for a loving relationship. With the bipolar spouse experiencing mood swings and the bipolar disorder symptoms of mania or depression at any given time, it can present a tough challenge for both the husband and wife in the relationship.

With some tough work and the proper treatment surviving a bipolar marriage can be done while decreasing problems.

According to bipolar marriage statistics, 90 percent of bipolar marriages end in divorce giving bipolar marriages a 10 percent chance of survival. This statistic does not take into account that some marriages may end with the bipolar spouse committing suicide. This percentage may grim, but if you are married to a spouse with bipolar disorder or have the illness yourself vow to be part of the 10 percent of bipolar marriages that do survive.

The reason bipolar marriages have extra problems and great risk of divorce is because the bipolar spouse may experience bouts of depression as well as mania with or without bipolar disorder treatment. These mood swings may have nothing to do with their partner or their marriage, yet the partner may feel the impact causing strain on the relationship.

A spouse’s bipolar disorder symptoms vary and the impact it will have on the marriage also vary depending on a number of factors. These factors are how well the bipolar spouse manages his or her illness, if he or she seeks treatment as well as how understanding the well spouse is regarding their bipolar wife or husband and their bipolar disorder. The well spouse can also be a trigger for the spouse with bipolar disorder as well because of their close relationship.

Some of the bipolar marriage problems can occur when the bipolar husband or wife takes out their depression, irritability or anger out on their spouse. At times a bipolar spouse can make poor decisions leading to marital problems and arguments. The well spouse may take on responsibility for their husband or wife making sure they receive treatment– a role he or she may not want to take on.

There can also be positive, happy times within a bipolar marriage. The whole marriage will not be doom and gloom because of this mental illness. Appreciate the good times and get marital counseling together if needed to weather the bad times.

Here are some great resources for those with bipolar disorder and their spouses:

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know

Break the Bipolar Cycle: A Day-by-Day Guide to Living with Bipolar Disorder

It’s been several years since the mood stabilizer drug Seroquel, Quetiapine Fumarate, has been approved to treat bipolar disorder. What is Seroquel? It’s an antipsychotic that treats depressive and manic bipolar episodes.

Seroquel offers long term maintenance of the mood disorder and is used alongside drugs such as lithium, which is discussed in the article The Pros, Cons and Side Effects of Lithium to Treat Bipolar Disorder.

If you are considering using Seroquel to manage and treat your bipolar moods, take a look at this list.  You’ll learn about the positive and negative side effects of using the medication Seroquel to treat bipolar disorder.

Positive side effects

1. Treats both highs and lows of bipolar. The good thing about Seroquel is that is used to manage both bipolar disorder depression and bipolar disorder mania. As a mood stabilizer a bipolar person can get a handle on both ends of the spectrum.

2. Better mood and overall sense of well being. Patients that take Seroquel see the benefits of more sleep, less sadness and better judgment. Seroquel can help a bipolar person feel more in control over how they feel.

3. Taken once a day. While one may not personally desire taking medication daily, Seroquel is only taken once each day. Each dose comes in tablet form.

Negative side effects

1. It can take several weeks to work. Bipolar patients are urged to be patient when starting Seroquel medication as it can take several weeks to fully stabilizer a person.

2. Seroquel has some common negative side effects. These side effects are dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.

3. Could increase cholesterol. Some bipolar patients taking Seroquel have reported a rise in cholesterol levels, triglycerides as well as weight gain.

4. Seroquel can lead to high blood pressure. Some have reported high blood sugar and diabetes with Seroquel XR, Seroquel and similar medications. Bipolar patients with diabetes, risk of diabetes and obesity should ask that a doctor check blood sugar levels before starting treatment with Seroquel. Some symptoms to look for regarding high blood sugar or diabetes are excessive thirst or hunger, weakness, increased urination.

There are rare, but potentially fatal side effects. Things to look for are high fever, sweating, change in heart rate or pulse as well as confusion and shaking. Muscle pain can also occur.

As with any bipolar disorder medication, consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these negative Seroquel side effects.

Abilify, Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication often prescribed to treat mania and manic episodes in bipolar disorder. This drug is also used to treat schizophrenia. It has its positive and negative side effects.

If your doctor suggests that you take Abilify, you may have a few questions on the side effects —positive and negative— of taking Abilify for bipolar disorder.

Here’s a list of Abilify side effects:

Positives of Abilify

1. Relief of Manic symptoms. For many bipolar patients that take Abilify, the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder are improved within several days. The relief varies from person to person.

2. Reduces manic relapse. While Abilify is known to relief manic bipolar episodes, it also helps reduce the instance of manic relapse. The bipolar medication also stabilizes manic or mixed moods.

3. Won’t effect cholesterol or blood level. During a clinical trial of Abilify, both those receiving the bipolar medication and the placebo had the same experiences regarding cholesterol and blood level. Therefore it doesn’t play a factor in effecting either.

Negatives of Abilify

1. Sense of restlessness. Bipolar patients taking Abilify may feel an inner sense to move. This is known as akathisia. They can also experience involuntary body movements. This can also lead to the inability to stay asleep.

2. May make one feel sleepy and tired. This medication is known to make a small percentage of bipolar disorder patient feel sleepy. Wait until you know how this medication affects you before you drive or operate hazardous machinery.

3. Can cause weight gain. A very small percentage of people taking Abilify experience a minor gain in weight while on the bipolar medication.

Other Abilify side effects include headache, nausea, constipation and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these side effects as well as a decrease in mood should contact their doctor for analysis and a possible adjustment in dosage.

Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is an anti-anxiety medication from Pfizer. Your doctor may want to prescribe this medication for your bipolar disorder. It is a benzodiazepine sometimes used to alleviate anxiety and sleeping difficulties for bipolar patients.

Here is a list of the positives and negatives of using Xanax, alprazolam, medication for bipolar disorder.

Positives of Xanax

1. Xanax helps with anxiety. Anxiety can coexist with bipolar disorder as mentioned in this previous article: Bipolar Disorder and Panic Attacks. The biggest benefit of taking Xanax is that it is expected to greatly reduce the instances of anxiety in bipolar disorder.

2. Helps bipolar patients sleep. People with bipolar disorder may have difficulty sleeping at times. Taking Xanax as prescribed by a doctor can help a bipolar person get the sleep they need. Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis also reduces irritability.

Negatives, Side Effects of Xanax

1. Xanax can cause clumsiness, drowiness in patients. Clumsiness, drowsiness as well as slurred speech are common symptoms of Xanax medication. You may find that you feel unsteady from taking this bipolar drug. You may also feel drowsy and experience slurred speech while taking this medication.

2. Xanax can cause depression. While it helps with anxiety, some people experience depression while taking this medication.

3. Xanax is not recommended for pregnant women. Doctors advise pregnant women not to take this anti-anxiety medication because of the high risk of birth defects to a fetus. The only way that it can be prescribed to a pregnant woman is if the risk of going without the medication is greater than using it.

Other common side effects of Xanax are dizziness, lightheartedness and slurred speech. Other less common side effects include stomach cramps, changes in sexual desire, increased thirst, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and headache. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these negative side effects while taking this medication.

The drug Lamictal Lamotrigine is often used to treat bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer. There are some benefits to Lamictal, as well a some side effects. You’ll want to be aware of both.

Here’s a list of positives and side effects you’ll find useful if you’re considering taking Lamictal to treat your bipolar disorder. And as always, consult your doctor about the use of bipolar medications.

Benefits of Lamictal:

1. Helps prevent mood swings. For those looking for relief from bipolar depression and bipolar mania, Lamictal can help keep mood swings at bay for longer periods of time. GlaxoSmithKline, the company that produces this bipolar medication, states that 37 percent of patients that received the drug did not need additional bipolar treatment for mood episodes over a course of a year.

2. Lamictal boasts long-term stability. You may want to consider Lamictal if you’re looking for a long-term bipolar medication solution since there is currently no cure for bipolar disorder.

3. No blood monitoring needed. Since there is not need for blood monitoring with Lamictal, this cuts down on the number of doctors visits needed.

4. Doesn’t cause weight gain. Bipolar patients will not gain weight from taking this bipolar medication. 

Side Effects of Lamictal:

1. Could cause blood or liver problems. There have been numerous reports of blood problems and liver problems with Lamictal. Symptoms of these problems are weakness, fatigue, severe muscle pain, unusual bruising or bleeding and frequent infections.

2. Could cause a rash. Those that experience rash with this bipolar medication may be affected within the first two months of starting Lamictal. A rash may become a serious enough reaction that would require hospitalization. There is no way to tell if this will happen though. A serious rash is more likely to occur in children than in adults.

3. Other side effects of Lamictal are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, vomiting, insomnia, double vision and lack of coordination. If you are currently taking Lamictal medication for bipolar disorder and are experiences these side effects, consult your doctor.

Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is one of the most common medication treatments for bipolar disorder. It helps lessen the frequency and severity of mania. It also helps with bipolar depression.

Here are the pros and cons of taking lithium to treat bipolar disorder:

Pros

1. Lithium stabilizes ones mood. This bipolar disorder medication impacts a person’s central nervous system and helps a bipolar person better control their emotions. This helps slow down the ups and downs of bipolar mania and bipolar depression.

2. Lithium reduces suicide risk. When taken properly, lithium helps reduce suicide risk in a bipolar patient. It also prevents manic episodes. It is a major plus to stick with this medication as prescribed, because the bipolar suicide risk is about 15 percent. Any decrease in suicide risk, the greater chance at survival.

3. Sometimes lithium can be taken alone. For some bipolar patients, a doctor may find that they can use lithium alone as their bipolar medication treatment. This reduced the number of medications one has to worry about taking daily streamlining the treatment process.

Cons

1. Lithium takes one or two weeks to work. One down side to taking lithium to treat bipolar disorder is that it takes a week or two to work its way through the system. If you have been prescribed this medication, continue to take it to give it a chance to work for you.

2. It can affect kidney function. Bipolar disorder patients on lithium treatment will have to take regular blood tests because the medication can affect kidney function. It works best if it remains at a consistent level in the body. A bipolar patient on lithium is also encouraged to drink at least eight glasses of water and to have some regular salt intake.

3. Lithium has its side effects. There are a number of side effects that can result from taking lithium. About 75 of people may experience side effects with some decreasing as the drug works its way throughout the system. These lithium side effects include- diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, hand tremor, increased thirst and urination, poor concentration, muscle weakness, hair loss, drowsiness and decreased thyroid function.

Those that experience side effects from lithium should consult a doctor before changing the dosage. Give the medication some time to work through your system. You may be pleased with how well it works for you to manage your bipolar disorder, or you may not. It is worth a shot.

Mental illness, including bipolar disorder, is often seen as a taboo topic in society, but there are brave men and women that share their stories through personal bipolar disorder blogs. And they share without shame. If you are bipolar, you may find it helpful to follow along with the experiences of these bipolar bloggers.

Here is some information about four bipolar-related personal blogs.

1. Julie Fast, Bipolar Happens. In this blog Fast shares her experiences with bipolar disorder and how she copes with mood swings. She was diagnosed in 1995, a year after her partner was diagnosed with the illness. In addition to her her bipolar blog, Fast is the author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, which I personally recommend as well as Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder: A 4-Step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the Illness and Create Lasting Stability.

2. Philip Dawdy, Furious Seasons. In the second bipolar blog on the list, Dawdy, a journalist, writes about bipolar disorder and mental health issues. He was diagnosed in 1989, when bipolar disorder was known as manic depression. Now he blogs tackling the many complex issues surrounding the mental health community.

3. Seaneen, The Secret Life of a Manic-Depressive. This third bipolar blog is written by a woman from the United Kingdom. It gives a personal glimpse into her life with bits of humor and seriousness, depending on what’s going on in her life at the time.

4. Susan Bernard, Bipolar Wellness Writer. Four on this list of personal bipolar blogs is another professional writer, Susan Bernard, who shares her experiences having survived more than 100 depressive episodes. She shares her personal opinions on life with manic depression and tells how she sees it.

Hopefully you will find these personal bipolar disorder blogs a helpful supplement in your journey to wellness.

For additional information on living with bipolar disorder, here are some related links:

Bipolar Disorder: Keeping Stress Levels Low

Benefits of Joining a Bipolar Support Group

If you have a friend or loved one that suffers from depression, be it depression alone or the depression side of bipolar disorder, there are a few things you should never say to them. You may have found yourself saying certain things to a depressed person in an effort to be helpful. If you’ve noticed yourself saying things from this list to your depressed loved one, vow to never say them again.

Here is the list of things you shouldn’t say to someone with depression:

1. “Get over it.” or “Snap out of it.” If someone is depressed, especially with clinical depression, they can’t just get over it. With clinical depression, there may be no external reason a person feels down. So telling them to get over it would be futile and just frustrate and sadden them more.

2. “It is all in your mind.” Someone suffering from depression knows it. They do not need you to tell them that their issue is in their mind. If they could control not feeling depressed, they would. While there are ways they can learn to cope with their depression, telling them it’s all in their mind most likely won’t help.

3. “Life isn’t fair.” While life indeed isn’t fair, saying that to someone with depression will not help them feel better. They are focused on how they feel, not the overall broad notion that life isn’t fair.

4. “You’re selfish.” One way to kill any supportive measure you’ve taken so far is to tell a depressed person that they are selfish. Some of their actions in the midst of depression may appear selfish, such as neglecting obligations to others, but they are dealing with a mental illness. They may be just as immobilized as someone that has to focus on healing from a physical ailment. Show your support and cut them some slack.

5. “It’s your fault you’re depressed.” Laying guilt on a person for the way they feel is not a solution to depression. The person did not ask for depression and they may not yet know how to cope with it. Telling someone that it is their fault will only compound any sense guilt they may have over the way they feel. Instead offer to help your depressed friend or loved one find help in working through their illness.

If you’re looking for a resource to help a depressed or bipolar loved one, check out this highly rated book The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness and The Depression Advantage.

Coping with bipolar disorder can be tough. With mood swings pulling you in two directions it’s good to have a support system in place to help keep you stable. You may have family that offers support, but sometimes that’s not enough. It will benefit you to have access to a network of others with bipolar disorder, just like you. Consider joining a bipolar support group.

Here are three benefits of joining a bipolar support group.

1. Other bipolar people know what you’re going through. The top reason to join a bipolar support group is that other bipolar people can relate to what you’re feeling. In a secure group setting, many of them will share in their experiences with the support group. As you listen to their stories and experiences, you may find that you have some things in common with them.

2.You can share your experience. Sometimes loved ones mean well, but they don’t know exactly how you feel. Others with bipolar disorder do know. As you share your experiences with manic depression, look to receive some feedback and suggestions. This will help you learn more about yourself and better ways to deal with your bipolar disorder. Talking through your issues is also cathartic for your soul and mental health.

3. Support groups helps you socialize. If your bipolar disorder has left you somewhat withdrawn, it may be hard for you to form close relationships with people.

A bipolar support group is a great setting to meet new friends. The comfort level that you’ll have with your group members will help free you from some of the isolation you may be feeling. You’ll feel a boost of confidence as you come to terms with your illness. Use that confidence to branch out in other social settings.

Now that you’ve learned the benefits of joining a bipolar support group, it’s time to seek out a support group. Watch for an upcoming that will provide some suggestions for finding the right bipolar support group for you.

Over the years there have been hundreds of famous people and celebrities with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can effects about 2.6 percent of the adult population and is thought to be genetically linked. This means bipolar disorder can effect anyone. Even celebrities and other famous people you may know of battle bipolar disorder everyday.

Here is a list of famous people and celebrities with bipolar disorder. The list includes actresses, actors, writers, singers and business people. Some of these bipolar celebs you’ll recognize while others you may not.

Buzz Aldrin
Alvin Alley

Ned Beatty
Clifford Beers
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Maurice Bernard
John Berryman
Jeremy Brett
Alohe Jean Burke
Tim Burton

Robert Campeau
Jim Carey
Lisa Nicole Carson
C.E. Chaffin
Rosemary Clooney
Hart Crane
Lindsay Crosby
Garnet Coleman
Francis Ford Coppola

Jean-Claude Van Damme
Ray Davies
Lenny Dee
Gaetano Donizetti
Eric Douglas
Robert Downey Jr.
Patty Duke

Larry Flynt
Carrie Fisher
Connie Francis

Peter Gabriel
Kit Gingrich
Vincent Van Gogh
Phil Graham
Shecky Greene
Peter Gregg

Linda Hamilton
George Fredrick Handel
Moss Hart
Mariette Hartley
Jimi Hendrix
Kristen Hersh
Phyllis Hyman

Jack Irons

Randall Jarrell
Daniel Johnston

Jane Kenyon
Margot Kidder
Otto Klemperer

Vivien Leigh
Oscar Levant
Jennifer Lewis
Bill Lichtenstein
Joshua Logan
Robert Lowell

Gustav Mahier
Kevin McDonald
Kristy McNichols
Burgess Meredith
Spike Milligan
John Mulheren
Spike Mulligan

Phil Ochs
John Ogden

Nicola Pagett
Susan Panico
Jaco Pastorius
Pierre Peladeau
Murray Pezim
Sylvia Plath
Heinz C. Prechter
Charley Pride

Mac Rebennack (Dr. John)
Jeannie C. Riley
Alys Robi
Axl Rose

Francesco Scavullo
Robert Schumann
Delmore Schwartz
Del Shannon
DMX Earl Simmons
Don Simpson
Phil Spector
Ben Stiller
Sting
David Strickland
Sting, Gordon Sumner

Lili Taylor
Nick Traina
Ted Turner

Tracy Ullman

Sol Wachtier
Tom Waits
Norman Wexler
Robin Williams
Brian Wilson
Jonathon Winters

Townes Van Zandt

As you can see there are hundreds of bipolar celebs. Some may still be undiagnosed or have not yet revealed their bipolar disorder. This list will be updated periodically.

Lots of people with bipolar disorder have wondered at one point or another- Can bipolar disorder be cured? Will I have bipolar disorder forever? Since the depression and mania episodes in this disease can wreck havoc on a person’s life, they look for a bipolar cure.

While there are a variety of ways to treat and manage manic depression, to date there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. Researchers are working everyday to solving the manic depression puzzle.

Some people have very few mania and depression episodes without treatments, while others have symptoms throughout their lifetime. To be completely free from bipolar symptoms after diagnosis is rare. There are some people that go for extended periods of time feeling well and being symptom-free, but there is always a chance for another mania or depression episode to reoccur. This is why it is wise to maintain treatments despite feeling well. It is better to be cautious. Your health deserves it.

There are some people that claim to be cured or healed from bipolar disorder, but they can not know for sure as they could have an episode at any time in the future. It is best to think that these individuals have learned to manage their disorder in a way that allows them to be symptom-free. You should strive to be symptom-free instead of searching for a miracle bipolar cure. Perhaps one day there will be a break-through cure for bipolar disorder.

Since there is no cure yet for manic depression, it is best to maintain a treatment plan your therapist suggests. This will include medication, counseling and a self-management plan you find works for you.

If you’re looking to live a full life despite your manic depression diagnosis, I would suggest reading The Bipolar Advantage by Tom Wootton. It promises that you’ll look at your life differently.

One way to lessen bipolar manic and depression episodes is to avoid stress. Of course, stressful situations are a part of life, but you can do a number of things to keep it at a minimum. Here are some tips you can use to manage bipolar disorder and stress.

Avoid high-stress situations.If there are situations that you know will bring you stress, such as planning a holiday party or a 12-hour day full of activities, it would be best to avoid doing so. Taking extra precaution to keep your stress levels low should be the number one priority.

Balance your work and personal life. You may have periods of high energy where you want to work a lot and other times where you just want to take it easy. Find a balance and stick with it so it’ll be easier to stabilize you moods. Having a schedule will keep your mind focused. It is also ok to say “no” when you feel as though you’re becoming overworked.

Incorporate relaxation techniques. Even before you start to feel tension, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself calm and relaxed. The last thing you’d want to do is trigger a bipolar episode. These relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Yoga: One way to center yourself when dealing with bipolar disorder is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga not only has physical benefits, but mental benefits as well. You’ll feel much more in control as you lower your risk for anxiety, stress and depression.

Meditation: You may also find that you benefit from meditation as part of your bipolar disorder treatment. You can think of anything when you’re meditating. One thing you don’t want to think about are your potential stressors. Think of peaceful nature scenes or pray as you meditate. Think of yourself living a healthy, stress-free life and conquering your bipolar disorder.

Deep breathing: Take some quiet time to do some deep breathing. Breath in through the mouth and out through the nose in a steady pace. You’ll feel the stress melt away.

Anxiety and panic attacks can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. There is medical evidence that shows that bipolar disorder and panic disorder can coexist. Some research deems that the two are genetically related. It is even more common for a family with multiple bipolar disorder sufferers to have coexisting symptoms of panic and anxiety disorder.

So, what are panic attacks? Panic attacks are a feeling of terror that can happen at any moment. During the panic attack, the person may feel as though they’re going to have a heart attack or even die.

Here are some signs and symptoms that you may suffer from panic or anxiety attacks.

1. Racing palpitating heartbeat

2. Sense of terror

3. Feeling weak, dizzy, lightheadedness

4. Chest pains

5. Having difficulty breathing

6. Numb or tingly feelings in hands and fingers

7. Having chills or hot flashes

8. Feeling loss of control

One key factor to panic disorder is that attacks happen without warning and the panic attack sufferer has no way to stop it. The fear induced by these attacks is much greater than the situation and is often unrelated. The attacks last for several minutes, but can reoccur for hours.

Panic attacks are frightening, but not dangerous. The attacks are scary because the sufferer feels out of control and sometimes as though they’re going to die. The effects of panic disorder can worsen because they can lead to other things such as drug and alcohol abuse, medical complications, phobias and suicide. Panic attacks can impact people in varying ways, with some feeling a slight disturbance on their life while others want to isolate themselves and stay sheltered from the rest of the world.

If you have bipolar disorder and feel you have panic disorder symptoms as well, talk with your mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and the best way to treat the issue.
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Anxiety and panic attacks can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. There is medical evidence that shows that bipolar disorder and panic disorder can coexist. Some research deems that the two are genetically related. It is even more common for a family with multiple bipolar disorder sufferers to have coexisting symptoms of panic and anxiety disorder.

So, what are panic attacks? Panic attacks are a feeling of terror that can happen at any moment. During the panic attack, the person may feel as though they’re going to have a heart attack or even die.

Here are some signs and symptoms that you may suffer from panic or anxiety attacks.

1. Racing palpitating heartbeat

2. Sense of terror

3. Feeling weak, dizzy, lightheadedness

4. Chest pains

5. Having difficulty breathing

6. Numb or tingly feelings in hands and fingers

7. Having chills or hot flashes

8. Feeling loss of control

One key factor to panic disorder is that attacks happen without warning and the panic attack sufferer has no way to stop it. The fear induced by these attacks is much greater than the situation and is often unrelated. The attacks last for several minutes, but can reoccur for hours.

Panic attacks are frightening, but not dangerous. The attacks are scary because the sufferer feels out of control and sometimes as though they’re going to die. The effects of panic disorder can worsen because they can lead to other things such as drug and alcohol abuse, medical complications, phobias and suicide. Panic attacks can impact people in varying ways, with some feeling a slight disturbance on their life while others want to isolate themselves and stay sheltered from the rest of the world.

If you have bipolar disorder and feel you have panic disorder symptoms as well, talk with your mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and the best way to treat the issue.
]]> http://www.bipolaradviceguide.com/bipolar-disorder-and-panic-attacks/feed 0 http://www.bipolaradviceguide.com/bipolar-disorder-in-children-recognizing-symptoms http://www.bipolaradviceguide.com/bipolar-disorder-in-children-recognizing-symptoms#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:50:09 +0000 admin http://www.bipolaradviceguide.com/?p=221

If your child is extremely moody, you may want to explore the possibility that he or she could have bipolar disorder. It is often difficult to diagnose bipolar children, as their behavior is often mistaken for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but it is possible to get a proper diagnosis.

You will have to see a mental health professional for a correct bipolar disorder diagnosis. Before you do that, check out these symptoms to look for if you think your child has bipolar disorder:

Abrupt changes in mood. Observe if your child goes from being very excitable to bored in a short period of time. They could be easily aroused going from calm and relaxed to very excitable and back again.

Bipolar children have shifts in mood that can range from mania, hypomania, depression, anger and anxiety. Your child may also experience mixed moods, which are an overlapping of these moods. Observe if your child experiences these shifts in mood frequently over the course of a year.

Changes in drives. You may notice that your child is more aggressive, has an increased appetite or need and demand for things such as toys and other possessions. With bipolar children, a fluctuation in drives will be notifiable over a one-year period.

Changes in self esteem. Bipolar children may go from having very high self esteem to feeling very badly about themselves.

Changes in sleep patterns. Children with bipolar disorder often have trouble sticking with a sleep pattern. It may be difficult for them to arise in the morning and/or to fall asleep at night.

Child has anxiety. If you have a bipolar child, you may notice that he or she has anxiety. According to medical research 52 percent of children with anxiety also have bipolar disorder.

Other things to observe:

If your child has one of these disturbances over the course of a year: increased aggression and excessive anger, he or she may have bipolar disorder. Bipolar children may have trouble accepting the word “no”, sharing, being patient or adapting to change.

For more information on bipolar children, I recommend The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder — Third Edition by Demitri Papolos MD and Janice Papolos.

Also check out:

Mommy I’m Still in Here: Raising Children with Bipolar Disorder

If you have been diagnosed as manic depressive, your doctor will also share with you that you will have either one of two bipolar disorder types. It may not be clear right away though as you may need more observation of your symptoms. The two categories are Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. There is also a third related category, cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia.

Here’s some information about each type of manic depression.

Type 1: When a person has bipolar 1 disorder, he or she has at least one manic episode in his or her life. During the manic episode, the person experiences an elevated mood. The person could also experience mixed symptoms which includes having both a mania and depression episode every day for at least one week. Bipolar 1 is the more serious of the two types of manic depression. It results in a major change in a person’s usual behavior.

Type 2: When a person has bipolar 2 disorder, he or she experiences one or more depressive episodes along with one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but are less severe. For some, hypomania isn’t as disruptive because the person doesn’t experience full-blown mania or mixed symptoms. Bipolar 2 is the less serious of the two types of manic depression.

-Some may also receive a rapid-cycling bipolar disorder diagnosis. Rapid-cycling is when a person experiences four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed episodes within one year.

Cyclothymic disorder, Cyclothymia

Cyclothymic disorder is known as a mild form of bipolar disorder. Those with cyclothymic disorder experience chronic fluctuations in mood: periods of hypomania and depression over a course of at least two years. These moods come in shorter, less severe instances and are not severe enough to be considered bipolar 1 or 2. These mood swings can impair social interactions and could develop into a worsened form of manic depression.

As with any romantic situation, dating someone will bipolar disorder won’t be easy. When you have two people are getting to know each other and forming a relationship, there will be ups and downs. With bipolar disorder added into the mix, the ups and downs of relationships will be higher and lower than the average couple.

If you’re considering dating someone with bipolar disorder, or you have it, be prepared for a challenge. Don’t be discouraged though because a loving relationship can be worth the effort, when it’s right.

Because people with bipolar disorder have mood swings, dating someone with bipolar disorder can be a rollercoaster at times. Manic and depression episodes can cause stress and strain in a relationship when it ordinarily wouldn’t. You have to be mindful of a person’s mood swings and what triggers their episodes. Some things you’ll get to know as you observe more about them.

Having a close attachment to a person with manic depression can create emotional triggers and blow disagreements out of proportion. Some people with bipolar disorder can also become jealous when they are moody so also be aware of this. The up times are often a whirlwind of romance that often overshadows the down times. It takes a real commitment to stick with a person with bipolar disorder, but it can be done.

If you are bipolar and are considering dating someone, be upfront about your illness. Also take care of your mental health. You owe it to yourself. This will improve your life as well as your relationship, including your dating relationships. You’ll be more stable to pursue a stable loving relationship.

When you’re dating relationship becomes serious, consider couples counseling if troubles arise often. This will help you better understand each other as well as the illness. No matter what reassure each other that you have a strong commitment to each other.

Photo by Thom W.

The best bipolar disorder treatment is a combination of medication and counseling sessions. The exact mix of bipolar medication and counseling will vary because bipolar disorder effects people in differently. What works for you may not work for someone else.

Doctors will prescribe one set of drugs to treat the mania symptoms and another set of drugs to treat the depression symptoms. A patient will also receive a mood stabilizer to help maintain a steady mood. One can not take antidepressant drugs alone because it may trigger a manic episode for the depressed person. One example of a mood stabilizer is lithium.

Healthcare professionals have found that most people respond favorably to bipolar medication when taken as prescribed. For others symptoms do not go away even with therapy. However, each end of the mood swing, mania and depression, can lessen and become easier to manage.

For bipolar sufferers that don’t response to traditional therapy or can’t take medications electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a successful method for treating bipolar disorder. ECT works well to treat severe depressive, manic or mixed episodes. It is not a first treatment option.

Treatment during bipolar mania

If you seek a doctor’s help while going through a mania episode, the doctor may prescribe an antipsychotic medication and/or a benzodiazepine. These drugs will work quickly to control some of the bipolar symptoms you might be feeling such as irritability, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. You will also be given a mood stabilizer to prevent mood swings and reduce suicide risk.

Don’t be alarmed if you have to stay in the hospital for a few days while bring your mania under control. This is for your benefit as it helps to reduce your risk for reckless behavior and suicide. It also allows doctors to monitor how you’re responding to treatment.

If the medications do not seem to work for you, the doctor will adjust the drug dosage to find the right balance.

Treatment during bipolar depression

If you need to receiving treatment during a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, this will be more challenging. This is because using an antidepressant alone could cause a manic or hypomanic episode.

Antidepressants can also cause rapid cycling and increased suicidal thoughts. This is why the American Psychiatric Association suggests that doctors use both a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant to treat depressive episodes.

Some bipolar sufferers also try to take the non-drug approach to treating their mood disorder including the use of psychotherapy. Doctors do not feel psychotherapy alone is enough to treat bipolar depression though. Some will only work with patients that are on a medication plan.

If you’re visiting this site, perhaps you’re wondering Do I have bipolar disorder? Or maybe you’re wondering if your loved one is bipolar. If so, it’s time to take a look at the bipolar disorder symptoms to see if they fit.

Keep in mind that only a trained licensed therapist can assess whether or not a person has bipolar disorder (manic depression) for sure. However, there are signs that either you or a loved one might notice well before a diagnosis is made.

Bipolar Disorder symptoms can vary from person to person when it comes to the pattern, frequency and severity of symptoms. While some people experience more depression or mania, others have an equal cycle between the two extremes.

Some people only have a few major mood changes during their lifetime, while others have them more frequently. If you think that you or your loved one is bipolar, check out some common bipolar disorder symptoms used to diagnose the illness.

Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Bipolar depression symptoms include:

- Feeling sad, down

- Feeling hopeless, worthless

- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. This can include sex.

- Feeling restless, having a hard time concentrating - Thinking about death or suicide

- Sleeping too much or too little

- Social withdrawal

- A lose in appetite or changes in weight

- Feeling tired

- Unexplained physical aches and pains

Bipolar mania symptoms include:

- Racing thoughts

- High amounts of energy

- Irritability - Having grandiose thoughts, believing you can do things beyond your ability, high self confidence

- Easily distracted - Sleeping very little, but feeling energetic

- Acting impulsively, doing risky behaviors without thinking of consequences - In severe cases one can have delusions and hallucinations

- Extremely talkative, rapid speech If you suspect you are having either a depression or mania symptoms of bipolar disorder, make an appointment with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Life is full of ups and downs; happiness and sadness. So it’s not uncommon for people to feel a range of emotions. For those with bipolar disorder, however, feelings of happiness, sadness and anger can be extreme.

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression and bipolar affective disorder, is a mood disorder that causes a person to feel extreme highs and lows that are too hard to cope with at times. Excessive mood swings can interfere with everyday life and even be dangerous to a person with this illness.

More than 5.7 million American adults have bipolar disorder according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That’s about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older. You may have an acquaintance with manic depression. If that person learns to manage the illness well, you may never suspect it. People with bipolar disorder look just like everyone else.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it can be treated. People with manic depression can live long fulfilling lives, if they take care of themselves. If they do not manage their illness, it could have dire consequences, including suicide.

If you suspect you are manic depressive, the first step is to get a diagnosis from a qualified health care professional. It is not always easy to get a diagnosis so do not be discouraged if it takes awhile to reach a conclusion.