what kind of sickness is bipolar?

Answer 1

Bipolar can be a wild ride if not treated. I have it (I'm 38) and two of my kids have it. We are on meds and see our psychiatrist regularly, every 3 months or sooner if med adjustments are needed. I can say that our home is often exciting. Having a relationship with a person who has bipolar calls for patience and love.

There will be frustrating times, times when you won't understand their actions or reasons for their behaviors. Heck, even I don't understand my behaviors sometimes. I know though that the meds that I, and my kids are on, allow us to cope with our lives and interact with our families and society in a somewhat normal state. It doesn't solve the problems but it does help them seem manageable. When I forget my meds....LOOK OUT!!!

Good luck, it can be a hard journey. Be patient and show support if you are asking this question in reference to someone you know. If it is for yourself, seek assistance from a medical doctor, and relax...it is manageable.

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a psychiatric diagnostic category describing a class of mood disorders in which the person experiences clinical depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. People suffering from the disorder may be periodically disabled, but many live full and productive lives whether or not they receive adequate treatment. The disorder causes great distress among those afflicted and those living closely with them.

Krapelin's (1921) construct is useful for primary care clinicians, patients and families. It describes variations in two directions (mania and depression) of three aspects: mood, activity and thinking.

Cases of bipolar disorder are generally divided into two diagnostic categories, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Left untreated, bipolar disorder can be a severely disabling condition, with a risk of death through suicide.

The difference between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder (also called major depression) is that bipolar disorder involves both elevated and depressive mood states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with the illness. Fluctuating from one mood state to the next is called "cycling". Mood swings can cause impairment or improved functioning depending on their severity. There can be changes in one's energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and cognitive functioning. During these times, some people may have difficulty functioning.

Answer 4

Just to add extra info, the treatment of bipolar disorder is by Lirthium (Li), it's well known for being a (mood stabilizer), it just adjusts the mood and stops the manic attacks and the depressive ones.

Answer 5

Commonly called mood swings.... the patients goes from very happy to sad to angry mode in a very small duration of time.
occurs due to:
over anxiety
hormonal imbalance
irregular periods
puberty