Where can i read about bipolor disorder?

Question

my grandaughter's mother has this and I want to watch for any symtoms she may have if it is passed on to her....cause mom is 2nd generation.

Answer 1

try going to a library or book store and searching through the DSM IV. Very helpful. This will define the disorder, provide symptoms of the disorder and all other types of info

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.

About 5.7 million American adults or about 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year,1 have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have 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 before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, researchers have been searching for specific genes—the microscopic "building blocks" of DNA inside all cells that influence how the body and mind work and grow—passed down through generations that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness. But genes are not the whole story. Studies of identical twins, who share all the same genes, indicate that both genes and other factors play a role in bipolar disorder. If bipolar disorder were caused entirely by genes, then the identical twin of someone with the illness would always develop the illness, and research has shown that this is not the case. But if one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is more likely to develop the illness than is another sibling.6

Answer 3

I recommend A Brilliant Madness by Patty Duke and Gloria Hochman, for the beginning stuff. Gloria Hochman is an expert on mood disorders (whether she's a Ph.D. or an M.D. I can't remember offhand), and Patty is a person living with bipolar disorder. The chapters of the book are written alternately by both women.

Patty's chapters may be of interest to you as an "inside view" of the illness, but there is a lot of great medical information in Gloria's chapters. I think that's more what you're looking for.

Answer 4

My doctor gave my mother a book when I was diagnosed so she could read it to try and understand it a little better, and it has been passed back and forth around the family so much now that it is falling apart, that way everyone can try to understand a little more. It is called New Hope For People with Bipolar Disorder. It's written by Jan Fawcett, M.D., Bernard Golden, Ph.D., and Nancy Rosenfeld. You can find it online at http://primapublishing.com

Answer 5

What is bipolar disorder?

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.

What causes bipolar disorder?

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.

What are the symptoms?

During a manic episode, you may be abnormally happy, energetic, or irritable for a week or more. You may spend a lot of money, get involved in dangerous activities, and sleep very little. After a manic episode, you may return to normal, but your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When you are depressed, you may have trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions; have changes in your eating and sleeping habits; and lose interest in things you once enjoyed.

The mood changes of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may develop gradually over several days or weeks, or come on suddenly within minutes or hours. The manic or depressive episodes may only last a few hours or for several months.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Because it has many phases and symptoms, bipolar disorder is complex and hard to diagnose. There are no lab tests for bipolar disorder; instead your doctor or therapist will ask detailed questions about what kind of symptoms you have and how long they last. In order to be diagnosed as bipolar, you must have had a manic episode lasting at least a week (less if you had to be hospitalized). During this time, you must have had three or more specific symptoms of mania, such as needing less sleep, being more talkative, behaving wildly or irresponsibly in activities that could have serious outcomes, or feeling as if your thoughts are racing.

Your urine and blood may be tested to rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

How is it treated?

Bipolar disorder is mainly treated with medications to manage manic episodes and periods of depression. Your doctor may try several medications before finding the right combination to manage your symptoms long-term. Medications include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Antidepressants are used carefully for episodes of depression, because they cause some people to cycle into a manic phase.

Counseling for you and your and family is also an important treatment for bipolar disorder.

People with extreme cases of mania may be hospitalized to protect them from risky behaviors, such as driving recklessly or having delusions. During a severe bout of depression, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent the person from committing suicide.

Who is affected by bipolar disorder?

Over 3 million Americans—about 1% of the population—suffer from bipolar disorder, with similar rates existing in other countries. 1 Bipolar disorder occurs equally among males and females. It often begins between the ages of 15 and 24. 2

Answer 6

I actual have had comparable reviews. i'm superb now, in my "balanced degree". certainty be counseled i dont know notwithstanding if I actual have bipolar 2 or important depressive affliction. i think of what you could desire to verify notwithstanding if her "up" stages might equivalent a manic/hypomanic episode? are they severe? is she hyper and loopy? does she take extra damaging aspects? if no, that's extra possibly to be important melancholy. the two way get her to a doctor, or perchance talk to a college counsellor in private approximately her and clarify why you're aggravating. they may be waiting to communicate to her without telling her which you have considered them, and to objective to get her the help she desires. specially be sort and understanding along with her, and enable her know that that's okay to communicate approximately a majority of those issues with you. be comfortable with regards to the priority, yet ask her to work out a doctor. sturdy success:)

Answer 7

the best website to read up on this disorder is webmd.com it is an awesome website and it gives a lot of details and what meds usually are used with the disorder.

Answer 8

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52026

Answer 9

http://www.nami.org/

Answer 10

try www.webmd.com