Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

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Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. Bipolar disorder has previously been known as manic depression, a term still used by some people. It is a psychiatric illness that causes major disruptions in lifestyle and health of the sufferer and potentially their family members.

It is common for all people to experience variations in moods with occasional highs and lows. People with bipolar disorder, however, experience extreme mood swings from feeling very sad, despairing, helpless, worthless, useless and hopeless (depression) to feeling on top of the world where they are hyperactive, creative, and grandiose. During a euphoric phase, people may go on spending sprees or have stints of increased sexual activity, act impulsively or display exhibitionistic behaviour. Though the person may feel euphoric, they may also feel irritable or upset - This is called dysphoric mania.

The disease is called bipolar disorder because the mood of a person with bipolar disorder will typically alternate between 2 completely opposite poles: euphoric happiness through to extreme sadness. Symptoms of both mania and depression can occur together in what is referred to as a "mixed state: with the extremes of mood usually occurring cyclically.

In between these mood swings, people suffering 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, it can cause chaos in their life causing major disruption of family and finances, loss of job, family breakdown, loss of social structure and marital problems. Severe depression can include thoughts of suicide and actual attempts of suicide. Extreme mania can lead to aggressive behaviour and homicidal acts.

Some people suffering from bipolar disorder may turn to drugs and alcohol to treat their emotional disorder, which in turn may result in substance dependence.

It is common for people to start showing signs of bipolar disorder in their late teens with the average onset at app. 20 years of age. It is not unusual for signs of the affliction to be dismissed as "growing pains" or normal teenage behaviour. It is not unusual for Bipolar disorder not to be properly diagnosed until the sufferer is 25-40 years old, at which time the symptoms are much clearer.

Bipolar disorder occurs commonly in both men and women and occurs frequently in Australia. Because of the extreme and risky behaviour that accompanies bipolar disorder, it is very important that the disorder be identified. With proper and early diagnosis, this mental condition can be effectively treated and managed.

What Causes Bipolar?

It is not known exactly what causes Bipolar Disorder however it appears primarily to have biological underpinnings. Onset of Bipolar is often linked to a stressful life event. And whilst exact causes are unknown, a number of factors are believed to play a role, including genetics, brain chemical imbalances, environmental factors and sometimes medical illnesses.

Bipolar Disorder is thought to be frequently inherited with genetic factors thought to account for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. If one parent has Bipolar Disorder, there is a 10 per cent chance that his or her child will develop the illness. This risk rises to 40% if both parents have Bipolar Disorder. Conversely, just because one family member has the illness, it is not necessarily the case that other family members will also develop the illness.

A more recent theory about the cause of Bipolar Disorder is that it is related to abnormal serotonin chemistry in the brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain, and one that strongly affects a person's mood. It is thought that the abnormal serotonin chemistry causes mood swings because of its feedback effect on other brain chemicals. It is thought unlikely, however, that serotonin is the only neurotransmitter involved.

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If you are concerned about your child, a friend of someone you know seek help and assistance from a trained mental health specialist or service provider in your state or territory.