Bipolar Depression

What is Bipolar Disorder or Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar disorder is nothing but mental illness that involves the body, mood and thought. Bipolar disorder is presence of at least one manic episode. There are two phases in bipolar disorder manic phase and depressed phase. During first phase, that is manic phase, people feels like happiness, euphoria and hyperactivity. Whereas in second phase that is depressed phase, feeling of sadness and depression is in normal condition. But some people think of committing suicide also. During bipolar disorder, mood swing is very frequent.

Bipolar disorder can happen at any stage in life from childhood to adulthood and continues throughout life. In this condition, childrens' mood changes frequently than adults. Some people say that it is the psychological problem but it is totally wrong. For bipolar disorder, we can say episode problem is there.

More than one percent population of U.S. is affected by bipolar disorder. The bipolar disorder starts from manic episode. There are too many symptoms of bipolar disorder. This type of depression is mostly because of the breakup of a good relationship, poor job or school performance and even some people think of committing suicide also.

Like any other disease, bipolar disorder is long-term sickness that must be carefully managed throughout the life.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

One of the main causes of bipolar disorder is hereditary, means if parents have bipolar disorder there is more chances that this depression affects children. But it is not only because there is too many factors that are to be considered.

Scientifically, there are two types of bipolar disorder, biological and psychological. Genes and other factors play a major role in twins. If bipolar disorder is caused by genes, then there are chances that the identical twin may get affected by this depression. There is more risk about bipolar disorder in siblings as well.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are two phases in bipolar disorder. So symptoms of these phases are also different.

• Feel restless
• Increased energy
• Talking very fast as compared to normal
• Frequently change in decision
• Loss concentration
• Sleep needed
• Less self-confidence
• Sexual drive is increased
• Aggressive behavior

Symptoms of Depressive Disorder

• Lasting mood
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activity
• Either sleeps too much or cannot sleep
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Physical illness
• Suicide attempts

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

There is chance that people with bipolar disorder goes into mania or hypomania. For stabilizing mood there is need of proper depression treatment. Most common drugs for stabilizing mood are Lithium and yalproate.

Medicine Treatment

Following are medicines for bipolar disorder.

• Atypical antipsychotic medications Which include clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and ziprasidone. Above medicines are well for those people who don't respond to Lithium and yalproate. Other types of medicine like zolpidem are given some times.
• Change in treatment play a major role or it is required when patient does not give responds to some medicine. If you have any side effects of medicine immediately contact doctor or your health care provider.
• Be frank with your doctor or your health care provider because certain medications and supplements taken together may cause adverse reactions.

Thyroid Function

Those people who have bipolar disorder often have thyroid gland function. Thyroid alone can change mood or energy. So it is important that thyroid level should get monitored by physicians. People with rapid cycling tend to have thyroid problems and that is why they need to control the level of thyroid. Lithium treatment lowers down the level of thyroid in that case, there is need of additional thyroid to maintain a certain level.

Psychological Treatment

In addition to medicine treatment, psychological treatment is available. It includes psychotherapy or some people say, "talk therapy" provides support to people who are in bipolar depression.

Therapy Used in Psychological Treatment

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Family therapy
• Social rhythm therapy

Benefits of Psychological Treatment is as

• Increased mood stability
• Less hospitalization
• Improved functioning in several areas

Other Treatment

• When people do not respond to medicine or psychological treatment, then there are some other treatments that are used by doctor. Other treatment involves psychosis or suicidality, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Electoconvulsive is highly effective for both depressive disorder and manic disorder. Long lasting memory problem is completely reduced by ECT.
• Herbal or natural treatment such as St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum. Discuss with your doctor before trying herbal or natural treatment.

Side Effects of Medicine

Always talk with your doctor or health care provider before starting new medicine, about possible side effects. Depending on medicine, side effects may include

• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Tremor
• Reduced sexual drive
• Anxiety
• Hair loss
• Movement problems
• Dry mouth

Resources for Fighting Depression:

• Self Help for Depression
• End Depression Now
• Conquer Stress, Depression & Anxiety