What is manic depression?  Is it the same thing as bipolar disorder or is it a completely different animal? Actually, manic depression is simply an older term for bipolar disorder.  The term bipolar disorder has become more socailly acceptable over the past 20 years or so, so that is what you will hear most people say when referring to this illness.

» Continue reading “Manic Depression”

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Everyone has seen the horror stories.  A lady with bipolar disorder murders her whole family.  A guy with severe mood swings kills himself.  It goes on and on.  You become worried that because you threw your shoes against the wall when you were angry that you might be bipolar and you have the capacity to commit atrocities.  But, what really are the bipolar signs?

» Continue reading “Bipoler Signs”

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It is not easy to live with someone who is suffering from a bipolar disorder.  The mood swings that afflict those suffering from bipolar disorder could be distracting and destructing.  It could interrupt the normal course of living and destroy relationships.  Self-destruction is one of the end-results of bipolar disorder.  Alcoholism and drug abuse are also some of the activities that people with bipolar disorder turn to.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism”

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There are many different kinds of depression that people have experienced throughout history. Even Hippocrates talked about depression, which was referred to as melancholia (the black bile). History throughout art and literature has also portrayed depression through the years. In today’s world, though, what is depression? And what is a depressive disorder?
» Continue reading “Bipolar Depression – Is this You?”

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Are you dealing with a bipolar spouse?  How do you handle the severe mood swings, depression and mania?  Here’s your chance to share your experience with others.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Spouse? How do you Cope?”

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Anyone with bipolar disorder will tell you that it’s not the depression that will kill you, it’s the mania.  When you’re depressed, you don’t feel like doing anything at all, but when you’re suffering from bipolar mania, your life can get crazier than you ever thought.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Mania and Sex”

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People always fluctuate in their behavior from day to day and we all have had our times in which we acted rude to people, and had the pleasure of having the reverse happen as well. Kay Redfield Jamison an international guru of about mood disorders has had her share of mood swings during her times. For years she kept this extreme psychological disorder a secret in which she had moods that switched from being super excited known as mania, to times that she was lethargic and depressed. She actually wrote a book about these events and tells about it in more detail.

By the way, the disorder was known as bipolar disorder and effects many people around the world. With determination, a strong will, and support from her family and friends she overcame her struggles and continue to teach about psychological disorders to this day.

I know that you’re probably wondering what are the types of characteristics of deviant or abnormal behavior? Well, one way abnormal behavior can be diagnosed is with some common symptoms. It may surprise you that there are about 40 million Americans that are affected by some type of psychological disorder. You may think of a psychological disorder as what the main character had in the movie “A beautiful Mind.” In essence you are right but there are a lot more other characteristics involved and a psychological disorder can also be defined by having an addiction to a substance like alcohol or drugs. To fully understand psychological disorders an individual must analyze abnormal behavior. Let’s take a look at three different case studies.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder and Attitudes”

At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder and Bipolar Disorder have nothing to do with one another. But many of us with these conditions develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward, living with bipolar disorder.

» Continue reading “Living with Bipolar Disorder: Taking Control with ADD”

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The largest study ever to track bipolar disorder and schizophrenia within families offers evidence that the two psychiatric disorders share a common genetic cause.

The psychiatric community has long debated whether or not schizophrenia and bipolar are related..and if they are, how interconnected were they? Are they two distinct disorders or not?

Many bipolar patients have symptoms that are characteristic of schizophrenia. Scientists wanted to know: Where is the line between bipolar and schizophrenia?

» Continue reading “Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder – How Linked are They?”

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If you have bipolar disorder, books about others with the same problems will often make you feel as though you are not alone.  There are a lot of books on the market both about bipolar disorder or by people with bipolar disorder that can help you through the tough times.  Here are a few of those bipolar disorder books:

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Books”

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Patty Duke wrote a book a few years back about her struggle with Bipolar Disorder called A Brilliant Madness.  She explains her struggle beautifully and shows how she nearly lost her life, but ultimately conquered in the end.  Everyone who has bipolar disorder or has a family member with bipolar disorder should read this book.

» Continue reading “A Brilliant Madness”

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Bipolar disorder itself is not any easy illness to deal with, but bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic attacks or other mental problems combined can be disasterous.  Sometimes it takes years to get an accurate bipolar disorder diagnosis, and when bipolar is coupled with other brain problems, it’s doubly hard to get treatment.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Anxiety”

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Many people go through their entire lives never telling anyone that they have a bipolar  diagnosis.  Since bipolar disorder is still stigmatized, there are a lot of people suffering in fear and silence.

» Continue reading “Accepting Your Bipolar Diagnosis”

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If you suspect you  might be suffering from bipolar disorder, test yourself with these questions.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Test”

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What is stress therapy? We all have this favorite expression when it comes to being stressed out, and I wouldn’t bother naming all of them since it may also vary in different languages. But when it comes down to it, I think that it is how we work or even relax, for that matter that triggers stress. Ever been stressed even when you’re well relaxed and bored? I know I have.

» Continue reading “Bipoler Disorder and Stress Therapy”

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Everyone gets sad every now and then, but sometimes the sadness turns into a blackness that cannot be ignored. When the sadness is uncontrollable and is taking over your life, you might be experiencing symptoms of bipolar depression. » Continue reading “Symptoms of Bipolar Depression”

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Being manic depressive is definitely not something that should be taken lightly.  Neither is it as simple as having temporary mood swings.  Being manic depressive is a psychiatric condition called bipolar disorder.  There are various levels of being manic depressive with varying intensities of bipolar disorder symptoms.  These symptoms would generally be characterized as alternating patterns of emotional highs and lows – the mania and the depression.  Anyone suffering from these kinds of symptoms should seek psychiatric help.  Information on bipolar disorder is widely available.

It is not advisable to try to treat bipolar disorder without the help of a medical professional.  Neither should it be ignored.  This kind of a disorder has the tendency to worsen if left untreated over time.  Among the symptoms that should alert you of bipolar disorder in the manic phase would include extreme optimism, agitation, aggressive behavior, increased sexual drive, and inability to concentrate.

These sypmtoms alternate with depression symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of interest in anything, and chronic psychosomatic pain.  More information on bipolar disorder, its symptoms, causes, and treatment are available in the internet.  It is important for anyone who might have these symptoms or know anyone who has these symptoms to be informed about what the disorder is and what effects it could have.

There are ways to control manic depressive behavior.  Joining a support group will help anyone suffering from bipolar disorder understand his situation and interact with those who are suffering the same condition.  This can also help the bipolar disorder patient stay focused on his recovery plan and get back to normal life faster.

Patience is a necessary component to recovering from bipolar disorder, as is familial support.  Taking up a hobby or getting into other activities where energies can be channeled effectively is also a good way to control bipolar disorder.  There are medications that may be prescribed by a medical professional to help treat bipolar disorders.  If this is the case, it is always advisable to take the medication as directed.

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There are a lot of folks out there who are searching for information on Bipolar ADHD.  In fact, the two are quite related! There are many similarities including impulsiveness, hyperactivity, frequent changes in mood and behavior and learning problems. Other similarities include restless sleep and family histories that include both disorders.  Many times doctors and patients have a hard time telling bipolar disorder and ADHD apart.

There are several differences between Bipolar and ADHD that you can look for.

1. Destructiveness – Children with ADHD tend to break things because they are careless or moving to fast to be careful with their things.  Bipolar children often break things out of anger.
2. Anger – Anger in people with ADHD tends to last 20 minutes or less and then they will move on to another emotion, or simply get over it. Those with bipolar have trouble overcoming anger and will tend to be angry for 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
3. Sleep Patterns – Those with ADHD often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.  Those with Bipolar Disorder often tend to wake up due to nightmares and often have a fear of falling asleep.
4. Treatment – Lithium will often help those with Bipolar Disorder but usually has no effect on those with ADHD.

Though there are many differences in Bipolar and ADHD, these two disorders can occur simultaneously in an unfortunate few.  This is often very difficult to diagnose.  ADHD gets diagnosed much more freqently than bipolar disorder and there are many physicians who think that those with bipolar often get misdiagnosed with ADHD.  This is why it is very important to find a doctor who will listen closely to what you are saying and do a thorough evaluation.

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It is important for people to function correctly in society in order to work and live a normal life. In order to function properly, your health should also be in good condition, especially your brain. You have to consider that your brain is what controls most parts of your body and as well as your decision and other psychological factors. Emotions and your moods are also controlled by a certain part of the brain. It’s a good idea to learn a few facts about bipolar disorder

» Continue reading “About Bipolar Disorder”

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Are you suffering from manic-depressive disorder? This is an illness that not all people can easily overcome. Oftentimes, people who don’t seek professional help end up committing suicide or living their life in a painful, bipolar states.  If you don’t want this to happen to you or any of your family members, then you must learn about the illness and the possible things you must do in order to take control of the situation and live life normally with bipolar disorder.

» Continue reading “Living with Bipolar Disorder”

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Studies have shown that 25 to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder (manic depression) attempt suicide.  This means that bipolar disorder often ends in an early death. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder should be considered an urgent matter.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder: Suicide Risks”

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The brain is one of the most important parts of the body. Without it, you are unable to live. The brain controls every part of a human’s body and is responsible for everything that you do. It is responsible for your basic motor skills, such as walking, or handling things and it is also responsible for the way you feel or your emotions. If you have bipolar disorder, it effects everything about your life.  Keep reading to find a bipolar disorder treatment that’s right for you.

There are different kinds of emotions that you can feel throughout your life. There are times where you are happy, and there are also times where you will feel depressed about something. This is a normal reaction to the environment. If something pleases you, you will be happy and if something bad happens, you will feel depressed.

However, there are some cases when people suffer from a brain disorder where they have no total control of their emotions. This particular disorder is called bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that can affect your emotions and your mood. It is an illness where you will have little or no control of your emotions where you will experience different kinds of emotions at fluctuating intervals.

People with bipolar disorder often get depressed even when there is nothing to be depressed about. Even when you cheer that person up, you will see that you have little or no effect on that person. You will also see that eventually the mood will change to extreme euphoria where they will feel very happy and have gradual increase in their energy.

Mood change is a normal thing. However, people with bipolar disorder experience mood changes in cycles. There are two classifications of symptoms for bipolar disorder. One is the manic episode, and the other is the depressive episode. In the manic episode, the person with bipolar disorder will have increased energy, talkative, unusually in a high or euphoric mood, irritable, have racing thoughts that can result in loss of concentration and jumping from one idea to another, unrealistic beliefs in their abilities and powers, increased sex drive, denial that anything is wrong, aggressive behavior, and abuse of substances, such as drugs and alcohol.

In depressive episodes, the person with bipolar disorder will experience long durations of sadness, empty moods, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, feelings of hopelessness, being pessimistic, loss of interest in activities that are considered to be pleasurable such as sex or relationships, sleeping too much or can’t sleep at all, feelings of irritability, and thoughts of death or suicide. Sometimes, there comes a point where they even attempt to commit suicide. I have found an excellent resource for getting the right amount of sleep and it’s all natural.  It’s called Melatrol. You can even get a free trial if you get there from this website!

These are the two classifications of the different signs and symptoms for bipolar disorder. Because of the symptoms associated, bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. Because of the constant mood change, bipolar disorder can affect a person’s social life. It can also affect a person their job or school performance.

You have to consider that bipolar disorder is a serious illness that should be treated with careful management. It is important that bipolar disorder should be treated immediately as soon as the signs and symptoms for it appear. Bipolar disorder treatment will consist of psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy can help the patient determine if they are going through a mood change and will also help them control their emotions better. However, in many cases  psychotherapy isn’t enough. Medication is usually prescribed for bipolar disorder where it can normalize their emotions. Here are some of the mood-stabilizing medications available in the market that can effectively treat bipolar disorder:

•    Lithium
•    Anticonvulsant medications, such as valproate and lamotrigine

Depending on the medication, the side effects may include tremors, reduced sex drive, hair loss, anxiety, weight gain or loss, and dry mouth.

The treatments mentioned can effectively manage the bipolar disorder. If you are bipolar, don’t lose hope. There are many people that are living normal, happy lives with bipolar disorder as long as they keep up their treatment.

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Most people, at some time or another, experience a bout of depression.  This is perfectly normal.  Sometimes situations get us down,  life gets hard and we feel sad.  Life is filled with every day ups and downs, but for some people there is never any in between….never any peace.

People with Bipolar Disorder (also called manic depression), experience extreme feelings with no relief in sight.

• These ups and downs can be too much for a person to cope with.
• They can interfere with daily life.
• Sometimes they can even be dangerous.

» Continue reading “What is Bipolar Disorder?”

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There is much danger that lurks in unexplained extreme mood swings.  Going from episodes of mania or extreme energy and optimism to episodes of depression in increasing frequencies should be a cause for alarm.  This kind of behavior is called a bipolar disorder.  Those who exhibit bipolar disorder symptoms are advised to consult with a medical professional or a psychiatrist at the soonest possible time.  Most of these people, however, are more likely to brush aside these symptoms until it blows out of proportion and affects everyone around them.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Info”

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Many people write to me and ask if I can help them figure out if they have bipolar disorder.  I alway recommend that they see a qualifed doctor, but folks still want a bipolar disorder questionnaire.  So, for those people, I STILL recommend that you see a doctor, but here is a littel questionnarie for you to look at in the meantime.

1. Do you sometimes realize that you are talking very fast and that your mind is racing?

2. Do friends and family often tell you that you are exhausting to be around?

3. Do you go through periods where I get lots and lots of work done, followed by periods where I don’t want to do anything at all?

4. Do you frequently feel as though your mind is racing and you are very irritable?

5. Do you often experience days of extreme sadness or depression?

6. Do your mood swings affect your quality of life?

7. Are you highly interested in sex during some periods, causing you to do things that you would not normally do?

8. Do you have extreme variations in the quality of work that you put out?

9. Do you sometimes, for no reason, feel very hostile or angry?

10. Do you have periods when you feel as if you are in a mental fog and other periods when you feel extremely creative?

If you answered yes to at least 6 of these questions, you might have bipolar disorder.  This is in no way a diagnosis.  You should still see a qualified physician – the sooner the better. 

If you have friends or family that you suspect have bipolar disorder, send them this bipolar disorder questionnaire to answer and you might be able to open their eyes. 

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