What are Bipolar Symptoms?

• Bipolar disorder is a long-term brain disease that causes sharp variations in mood and energy levels. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5.7 million Americans suffer from the disease, which generally develops in adolescence or early adulthood, though cases beginning in childhood and later in life have been documented. Symptoms of the illness are much more severe than the normal ups and downs of everyday life. Mood swings cause sufferers to experience incredibly high emotions that drop into much lower, depressed states. There are often normal periods in between the two extremes. High points are called manic episodes. Indicators of mania include increased energy, restlessness and activity; extreme irritability; racing thoughts; excessively good mood; little sleep needed to function; unrealistic belief in abilities; and denial. Low points are called depressive episodes and are marked by feelings of hopelessness, restlessness or irritability; loss of interest in hobbies and other enjoyable activities; and a lingering sad, empty mood. Manic and depressive episodes can range between mild to severe in intensity, can be present at the same time and can be coupled with psychotic symptoms like hallucination or delusions. Suicidal thoughts may also accompany bipolar symptoms.
  
  

What Causes These Feelings?

• The symptoms of bipolar disorder are caused by a variety of factors: genetics, environment and brain chemistry. Scientists who study the illness have determined that those with a family history of the disorder are more likely to have it. Studies of identical twins have confirmed, however, that more than one gene plays a role in the development of the disease. The combination of these genes, along with the environment in which the person grew up and mental makeup, can determine the severity of bipolar feelings. Additionally, evidence from MRI, fMRT and PET imaging has proven that the brains of individuals with bipolar disorder are different than those of healthy people. These findings suggest that something also goes wrong with the brain that results in bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.
  
  

Other Ailments with Bipolar Disorder

• Other illnesses can mask a bipolar diagnosis. People with bipolar disorder often battle with drug and alcohol abuse. The individual self-medicates to handle the unusual highs and lows and strained relationships that develop from his unpredictable mood swings. Delay of a diagnosis can mean the illness goes on longer without proper treatment and problems can exacerbate. Anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are also common in people with bipolar disorder. Alcoholism, drug addiction and anxiety problems should be treated along with the bipolar condition to help manage the individual's feelings and develop a strategy for living normally with the disease.