Bipolar disorder is a serious, long-term mental illness, which was previously known as manic depression. It is a brain disorder which affects about 1 in every 100 adults. It usually starts in late teens and affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves and functions. In Ireland alone 40,000 people suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families although environmental factors can also be a cause.
It is a mood affecting disorder which is characterised by episodes of depression and mania (highs and lows).
During depressed episodes the person will display some or all of the following symptoms:
- Feeling sad, empty or anxious
- No interest in food, sex, work or other activities
- Feelings of tiredness, trouble getting to sleep or over sleeping
- Reduced or increase appetite
- Poor concentration and indecision
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Chronic aches and pains with no physical cause
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling high, on top of the world
- Angry or irritable
- Needs less rest or sleep than normal
- Overactive, restless
- Racing thoughts, cannot switch off
- Rapid talking, jumping from one topic to another
- Excessive or unrealistic beliefs in ones abilities
- Poor judgement and risk-taking behaviour
- Increased interest in pleasurable activities such as drinking, gambling, religion etc.
- Demanding, pushy, domineering behaviour
- Delusions or hallucinations, usually relating to grandiose ideas
(Source: reachout.com and bipolarireland.com)
There are different classifications of the disorder, depending on the length and severity of the episodes.
Classifications of the disorder
Treatment & Getting Better
Bipolar disorder can be treated with a mix of medication, psychotherapy or counselling, and ongoing support. As with all mental illnesses, support from family and friends is a vital part in recovery and long-term good health. If someone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder the following web page gives practical advise What to do when someone I care about is diagnosed?
The following aware guidebook gives more advise on the illness. What you can do to stay well (page 9) in particular, highlights the importance of support to someone with the illness:
Bipolar Disorder, A Practical Guidebook
Finally, I leave you with the following Stephen Fry interview, in which it attempts to explain what it is like to live with bipolar disorder.