Is BI Polar a mental illness or what?

Answer 1

Yes Bi-Polar is a Mental Illness. But, it is treatable. If you find a good doctor he will prescribe any one of the following, depending upon the severity of your symptoms, Abilify, Geodon, Lamictal, Topamax, Risperdal, or some others. Don't be disuaded by the fact that some of these are antipsychotic medications. They have been approved for use in the treatment of Bi-Polar too. the best thing you can do is listen to your doctor and take your meds every day, even if you feel better! (Trust me on this one, I know from personal experience there is no quicker way to crash) Sometimes the meds stop working and you have to do what I do, and thats rotate. Take one for a while, then switch to another, then to another, then back to the first one again. What ever you have to do keep the symptoms in check. It sounds like you don't have it, but maybe a friend of yours does. There are alot of good web sites with info on it that go into greater detatil than I can here. Learn what you can and stand by your friend, they are going through a very confusing time.

Answer 2

Bi Polar is a mental illness that is rumored to start out when you are born. It is the inability to control your emotions. It can range from mild to extremely serious. There is lots of information on the web from symptoms and diagnosis to help groups. Best site I found was www.bipolar.com

Answer 3

I myself have bipolar disorder dx'd in 12/2000 so I know a bit about it. It is a brain chemistry disorder that they don't know everything about yet. Basically the person has high highs and low lows. Sometimes the shifts in moods can push one to suicide, so it is a very serious problem.

Lithium is the #1 treatment for the disorder but there are many other drugs used in the treatment. Lithium helps the biploar brain to avoid the highest highs (arguably the most destructive swings of the disorder), referred to as "mania," and it also has anti-depressant properties.

Bipolar is called a mood disorder, or affective disorder because it affects one's ability to regulate mood. One doctor described it as being unable to regulate the thermostat temperature when it starts getting too hot or too cold.

Bipolar doesn't mean you have a bad temper or change your mind or you are flaky as it is often portrayed in movies and other media. the DSM manual says it takes 10 years to accurately diagnose bipolar, so many people may think or say they have it out of ignorance but haven't really proven that over time.

With medication, bipolars can live fruitful, dynamic lives in society. Many famous artists, writers, and actors are bipolar. Many people in your life may be bipolar and you don't even know it. It presents a challenge to the individual to get regular doctor visits and to stay on the medication. Regular blood tests are required to check the amount of lithium in the body. Bipolars are characteristically creative and often highly intelligent.

Unfortunately, they have a brain imbalance that can kill them if they don't get lifetime help for it. Scientists say we are years away from detecting the gene for bipolar and/or brain indicators that predispose one to it.

Hope that helps

Answer 4

Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive disorder) is an illness that causes extreme mood changes that alternate between manic episodes of abnormally high energy and the extreme lows of depression.

Bipolar disorder may cause behavior so severe that you may not be able to function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal.

The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely understood, but the disorder runs in families and may also be affected by your living environment or family situation. An imbalance of chemicals in the brain is another possible cause.

Answer 5

It is a mental thing. i personally was diagnosed borderline bi-polar a few years ago. i think more people suffer from this than we think. but i believe the best medication is self appreciation and love from family and friends...

Answer 6

Yes, it's a mental illness.

Answer 7

Yes, it is. Its a mental thing. Its an illness if it has to be treated.

Answer 8

yes..and remember that mental illnesses are a matter of chemistry NOT character..brain chemistry

Answer 9

yes it is, its like depression only a little worser..... i hope this helps.

Answer 10

yes it is .