Does anyone know about bipolar disorder... i am trying to understand this condition...?

Question

My mother is bipolar, she oftens goes off on us for no reason, is this coming from the bipolar or is this just her. She frequently goes off of her meds, she sleeps all the time. Is bipolar disorder a controlable disorder? I have younger brothers and sisters at home, should i be fearful for them?

I am 25, my sis 15, bro12. The prob is that she does not see anything she does as wrong. We have tried to make her yake her med but she does what she thinks. Parents seperated, she was the most violent toward my father, physically and verbally

Answer 1

OK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.

It is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.

The cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.

There are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. These drugs are heavy duty psychiatric medications and are not to be taken lightly, and most if not all of them have a range of side effects including lethargy, photosensitivity, cognitive impairment (dumb as a box of rocks), weight gain, hormone problems, hair loss and blood problems. These side effects have to be weighed against the benefits of mood stabilisation. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.

Answer 2

Speaking as someone who has first hand knowledge of the subject, I would say it depends on the person, on whether or not you should be fearfull for your siblings. Has your mom been diagnosed with another disorder as well? ie: boderline personality diorder or anything of the like? It also depends on which type of Bipolar she has, if her meds are the correct type for her, she could be on a bad "mixture" for her. Most (not all, but most) bipolar diagnosed people, who are getting help, and have been prescribed meds have at least three meds they are on, sometimes more. There are some that are fortunate to be able to function on less, but, they are not the norm.

Those who are BP1 who take their meds and then stop, it's usually because they are feeling better and they start thinking that they don't need the meds because they are feeling better. They thus go off the meds and the ride is on. Usually a manic episode ensues. How long does it lasts? It all depends. But unless you have a hostile, angry attitude prior, most BP's don't get that way in a manic state. (for the most part). But if your mom does exhibit this type of behavior (whether the preceeding was the case or not) then you need to step in and do what needs to be done to make sure that your siblings are safe. Because in the long run, if something were to happen to them, (God forbid) you need to think about this. If you are still unsure, maybe, go talk to her doctor. Don't ask anything about her, except maybe if he/she thinks that she is a danger to her other children. Because of privacy laws though I am not sure they could even disclose that much. But still you could talk to her doctor, and say hey this is the situation, this is what happened, what would you suggest I do, what would you do if you were in my shoes and it were your mom and siblings? I need some guidance, and I need it quickly!

I hope this helps somewhat.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Answer 3

No, these will not be the symptoms of bipolar. The temper swings of a bipolar take position over months. A rapid-cycle bipolar will shift from despair to mania over just a few months not minutes. There is an extra disease, borderline-persona sickness, that is characterised with the aid of fast temper shifts however it a little of a trap-all that suggests we don't realize what it going on. It might have a habits root-motive, an emotional root-purpose (feels like your bf's case), or maybe a organic root-case. He has severe anxiety about some thing and does no longer be aware of learn how to care for it. "As Dr.Phil says it takes 15 years to diagnose anybody with Bipolar." that is just garbage to pressure a factor home - don't make rash decisions a couple of one of these analysis. Realistically it takes just a few years to assert with certainty but if the sufferer is aware of their historical past well that you could have a clear suspicion on the primary talk over with. If you are a psychiatrist your licenses will depend on you making the right call right here. If you happen to deal with a bipolar with simply anti-depressants... It can be unhealthy. You do not get 15 years to claim you could use a mood-stabilizer.

Answer 4

Bipolar is a biochemical disorder that causes mood swings. It is genetic. Someone in your mother's family is (or was) suffering from bipolar. You and your siblings are all at risk for bipolar disorder, especially the youngest. Some people may not have a manic episode for most of their life and then are faced with a very traumatic incident that triggers the manic episode.
As many of the others have said, being on the right medications is one of the key elements in treating this disorder. In addition Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which teaches a person to think and act differently, has been shown to have great benefits.
Many people have directed you to WebMD. Another source is www.jaycarter.com. He is a psychologist whose mother, and grandmother, suffer from biploar. He really has a lot of usable information.

Answer 5

Your Mom, if diagnosed correctly, should be on her meds at all times. Even if she is feeling better. The reason she is feeling better is because the meds are working. I would be fear ful for your younger siblings just for the verbal outrage that usually happens with Bipolar episodes. The sleeping is also a sympton of depression which is usally a side effect of Bipolar condition. I would talk to your Mom when she is on her meds and in the correct of state of mind. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable with next time she has a Drs appt.contact her Dr and explain the situation, they will usually discuss this with their patients.

Answer 6

I know a fair amount, my son is bipolar. Others have given you a good basic rundown on the disorder.

The thing with bipolar is being on meds and off meds is like night and day (if they are on the right meds!). How old are you, and how old are your siblings?

Verbal abuse is unhealthy for anybody to endure. It can do more damage than physical abuse! And the risk of suicide is very high for uncontrolled bipolar disorder. So should you fear for your siblings? In short, yes. And for your mom. She needs to stay on her meds or she shouldn't be parenting, not if she can't control her temper (and she can't, honestly) or uphold the responsibility of caring for the kids at home (and she can't do that if she's in bed).

Is there a dad at home? Someone needs to give her her meds with her morning coffee every day no matter what.

Answer 7

No, those are no longer the indications of bipolar. The temper swings of a bipolar ensue over months. A rapid-cycle bipolar will shift from melancholy to mania over some months no longer minutes. there is yet another ailment, borderline-character ailment, it relatively is characterised by utilising rapid temper shifts even with the undeniable fact that it somewhat a seize-all meaning we don't understand what it going on. it could have a habit root-reason, an emotional root-reason (sounds like your bf's case), or in keeping with possibility a organic and organic root-case. He has severe tension approximately something and does not comprehend a thank you to handle it. "As Dr.Phil says it takes 15 years to diagnose somebody with Bipolar." that's basically rubbish to force a factor residing house - do no longer make rash judgements a pair of this variety of analysis. Realistically it takes some years to assert with actuality yet whilst the affected person knows their historical past properly you have a clean suspicion on the 1st pass to. once you're a psychiatrist your licenses relies upon on you making the main suitable call right here. in case you cope with a bipolar with basically anti-depressants... that's undesirable. you are not getting 15 years to assert you ought to use a temper-stabilizer.

Answer 8

Bipolar is an affective mood disorder. There is Type 1 and Type 2.

According to the DSM-IV-TR, a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder requires one or more manic or mixed episodes. A depressive episode is not required for a diagnosis of BP I disorder, although the overwhelming majority of people with BP I suffer from them as well.
Bipolar II, the more common but by no means less severe type of the disorder, is usually characterized by one or more episodes of hypomania and one or more severe depressions. A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires only one hypomanic episode.

Going off her meds, isn't a good thing. She could run into a manic episode, or a depressive episode faster than usual; espcially if she goes on and off of it frequently. If she isn't staying on it long enough, the medication may not even have time to build up in her system, and therefore is having no positive effects on her. Bipolar people, aren't usually threats, and random outbursts of anger isn't typically a symptom of people with bipolar.

Answer 9

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorderthat 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 symptomsof bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poorjob or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolardisorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full andproductive lives.

More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the populationage 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disordertypically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some peoplehave their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life.It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years beforeit is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolardisorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout aperson's life.

What Are the Symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings-from overly "high"and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods ofnormal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along withthese changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes ofmania and depression.
Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can't concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
* Poor judgment Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong

My mom has it and she got put on meds that are Very Highly addictive!! Doctors also think I have it!! Go to a conselor and talk to them about this problem with your family, and try and get them to talk to your mother about skipping meds!! Yes, if they skip meds they want to KILL!! My mother was like this!!

Answer 10

bopolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain causing your moods to flucuate between the "manic" and the "depressive", which is what this condition used to be called. in the manic phase, going off on you would be expected, and normal for that phase. she might also seem unsually energetic, spend a lot of money, or get excited over nothing. the depressive phase is just the opposite.she might sleep alot, not care about anything--her appearance, family, etc. it is controllable with meds, but many (most, really) people go off their meds either because in the manic phase they feel so good they think they are cured, or because the meds donot allow them to feel much of anything--not especially sad, not especially happy. the tendency to the disorder is thought to be inherited, so you and your siblings have a better than average chance of suffering from this yourselves. you are right to be concerned about young siblings at home with your mom if she is off her meds. her judgement will be impaired in either phase, and there have been instances where a parent caused harm to a child thinking they were doing nothing wrong. i strongly suggest family counseling, if possible. a bipolar person is very hard to live with. you dont mention if your dad is around. if he is, he will need help and understanding also. please find a safe place where you can go day or nite-preferrably with at least one stable adult-if your moms mood becomes uncontrollable in either phase, and do not hesitate to call 911 if you think she may hurt herself or someone else. driving a car is something she should not do in the extremes of either phase. if you belong to good church, you might enlist the aid of your pastor. if he or she is not qualified to help your mom, he would at least be able to find a safe place for you to go. i suggest you go to the library and read all you can about this affliction, as it is quite complex. God bless you and give you strength.