what is bipolar and what does it mean?

Answer 1

It is often called manic depression in the UK.

It is a form of depression where someone will swing between the two extremes - manic (talking fast, making rash descisions, drinking, aprtying, socialising, spendning) and depression. The mood changes take months, and the condition is often treated with Lithium as antidepressants can trigger manic periods.

Anything else you'd like to know, let me know :)

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 quite extreme - the persons's mood can move between feelings of worthlesssness & depression, to being highly elated and euphoric, although each of these conditions usually stays for a period of time, ie., they don't change overnight. Bipolar disorder can be treated, however, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. A lot more info on the website below.

Answer 3

Bi. meaning dual or two.
...and Polar. Meaning opposites, or either of the axial extremes.

Like North pole and South pole.

In the mental health world, these two poles are happiness and sadness... People who are bi polar therefore reside in a constant flux between the extremes of either high, high's or low lows, one usually as a result of, or an effect the other...

It is basically a chemical imbalance where the wrong amounts of the chemicals in the brain that control mood and personality are flushed into the brain too fast and therefore causing irrational highs that end up as depressive lows when it runs out as the brain only makes a certain amount of this chemical during the course of a normal day.

The drug Ecstasy mimics this condition rather well...

Answer 4

Bipolar Disorder, now less commonly known as manic-depression, is a diagnosis in psychiatry referring to mania (or hypomania or mixed states) alternating with clinical depression (or depressed or euthymic mood) over a significant period of time. A person with bipolar disorder tends to experience more extreme states of mood than others, which can change quickly or last for months. Mood patterns of this nature are associated with distress and disruption, and a relatively high risk of suicide. There have also been links to high functioning, notably regarding hypomania ('below mania') and creativity, high productivity, and self-expression.

Answer 5

Bipolar is a new name for Manic Depressive disorder.
The Manic part gives a feeling of great elation, where people often spend too much money, and have fantastic delusions.
When coming down from this elated state, normality seems boring in comparison, so they are driven down into a depression.

It is often wrongly diagnosed.

Answer 6

Bipolar " is the newer term used instead of " manic depression." This is a very common disorder of people who have some abnormality in the regions of the brain that are responsible for maintaining mood stability. There are various forms of this condition. People who cycle back and forth rapidly between episodes of euphoria, hyperactivity, decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, racing thoughts and periods of intense depression. Then there are those who have recurring depression symptoms with only one manic episode in their life or they may have very long cycles of depression followed by long cycles of being upbeat. There are effective medications for this condition called mood stabilizers. When people take these mood stabilizers, usually they gain significant control of this condition. Most of these patients go through long episodes where they appear " normal " and often will stop taking their medications. However the vast majority of patients will have subsequent episodes. It does become a condition that is important to have observed by a physician over time.

Answer 7

Bi meaning two is another term for manic depression. Individuals experience lows & highs both of which are generally extreme. For the most part there is no middle ground. When they're in the low stage it makes them feel helpless, sad for no reason, & there is a sense of hopelessness & worthlessness sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts. On the other hand the high stage gives them a grandiose feeling that makes them feel they can do anything & more often than not the things they attempt to do are dangerous, self degrading, and have dire consequences for themselves & sometimes others. It's not a disease to play around with. If you know of any who exhibits any of these traits please try to convince them to get professional help. There are medications & therapies available to stabilize & keep this disease under control. Ever heard of Patty Duke. Try to find a book about her struggle with disease. She battled with it all her life, also Margot Kiddor & numerous other famous people. So there is hope & help.

Answer 8

I think it means you reside somewhere between the North magnetic pole and the south magnetic pole, hence when you get lost and are walking down the street you are bipolar and don't know which pole to go to.

Answer 9

Bipolar means of something that has two poles or extremities.

Answer 10

bipolar or manic depression is a disorder that causes sudden changes in behaviour. a person having this will note sudden bouts of behaviour uncharacteristic of him/her self...it is not curable but living with it can be made easier with medication and professional help. it is not something to fear or be ashamed of. many people have manic depression.