Coping with Bipolar Disorder

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Coping with Bipolar Disorder


by Margaret Rooney, R.N., B.S.N

Bipolar affective disorder is a mental illness that affects 2% of the population. When you or someone close to you is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there are ways to proactively navigate life with this condition. Correct diagnosis, proper treatment, prevention of relapses and maintaining a long-term support system all aid the person with bipolar and his or her family.

The psychiatrist makes the diagnosis of bipolar disorder after carefully evaluating the symptoms reported by the patient and close family members. The history of current and past behaviors is important in making an accurate diagnosis. Family history of psychiatric illness is part of the evaluation process since bipolar disorder tends to run in some families. Currently, there are no blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Although the cause is unknown, it is believed to be an imbalance of certain brain chemicals. Stressful events in a person's life may precipitate or trigger a manic or depressive episode but the event is not the cause.

Once the diagnosis is made, learn as much as you can about bipolar affective disorder, also known as manic-depression. This type of mental illness involves a disorder of mood, in which one goes from mania, feeling extremely energized and irritable, to feeling hopeless, extremely depressed, with periods of normal mood in between. There are two types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Type I is characterized by periods of extremely high or elevated mood followed by very low, depressed mood. Type II involves mood that goes from hypomanic, a milder and sometimes undetected form of mania, coupled with more severe major depressive episodes.

During the manic or high mood, increased energy and activity, decreased sleep, euphoria, rapid and excessive speech, racing thoughts, restlessness and irritability are frequently observed. There can also be unrealistic beliefs in one's personal ability, reckless behavior, excessive spending, and in severe cases, hallucinations. The manic state can feel pleasurable and productive, but sometimes involves lapses of good judgment and dangerous behavior, as well as relationship and family conflicts.

The depressed phase is sometimes likened to major depression. Symptoms include feeling sad, depressed, anxious, empty, hopeless and worthless. Suicidal thoughts are sometimes present; these require emergency psychiatric care. Additional signs are feelings of guilt, loss of interest in usual activities, poor concentration, sleep problems, low energy level and changes in appetite.

The person diagnosed with bipolar disorder needs to focus on controlling the illness through treatment rather than have the illness control him. Accepting the need for daily medication and ongoing psychiatric care long term is essential to maintaining control over the illness and an optimal quality of life. Treatment usually includes mood stabilizing medications, monitored by a psychiatrist and counseling. It is essential that the patient learn about the medications prescribed and possible side affects. A reliable way to take the medications properly needs to be set up. Taking these daily, even when the patient feels stable, is critical to preventing relapse and controlling this illness. Consistent monitoring of mood by the patient, family, and close friends is also essential in preventing acute episodes and possible hospitalization. Sleep pattern, behavior, and appetite need to be closely monitored as well. Avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, which can worsen symptoms, is essential. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and an effort to minimize stress will help the person with bipolar disorder control the illness and improve his quality of life.

Family and close friends who make up the patient's support system may want to contact national organizations for further information.

A few are:

National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/DART
National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association, http://www.ndmda.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), http://www.nami.org