Bipolar Disoder

WHAT IS IT?

“Manic depression” – A mental disorder whereby the individual experiences periods of mania (highs), depression (lows), and periods of normal moods.

Various severities of manic and depressed states can be seen.

There are two types: 

Bipolar Disorder I - which exhibits periods of mania and depression of extreme severity, often with psychotic episodes, and 

Bipolar Disorder II - which exhibits less severe periods of mania and depression and no psychotic episodes.


WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS LIKE?

• Bipolar disorder shows no gender difference 
• 1 in 33 Australians (male and female) will develop Bipolar disorder
• In terms of reporting the disorder – Australian males are less likely (5.3%) to do so than females (7.1%)


WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?


Some mania signs and symptoms:

• Feeling extremely happy or outgoing for extended periods
• Feeling irritable or agitated
• Racing thoughts shown through rapid speech, and continuously changing topics
• Restlessness and not sleeping 
• Exhibiting impulsive risky or inappropriate behaviours such as going on a very large shopping spree, impulsive sex
• Is distracted easily
• Feeling invincible
• Psychotic episodes including hallucinations or delusions


Some depression signs and symptoms:

• Feeling worried or down for extended periods
• Withdrawal from family, friends, activities they usually enjoy
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Inability to concentrate, remember things and make decisions 
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Attempts of suicide

Some mania signs and symptoms:

• Feeling extremely happy or outgoing for extended periods
• Feeling irritable or agitated
• Racing thoughts shown through rapid speech, and continuously changing topics
• Restlessness and not sleeping
• Exhibiting impulsive risky or inappropriate behaviours such as going on a very large shopping spree, impulsive sex
• Is distracted easily
• Feeling invincible
• Psychotic episodes including hallucinations or delusions
• Some depression signs and symptoms:
• Feeling worried or down for extended periods
• Withdrawal from family, friends, activities they usually enjoy
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Inability to concentrate, remember things and make decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Attempts of suicide


COMMON CAUSES/RISK FACTORS:

Biological	Psychological	Social
Genetic link – main factor	Stress            Personality	Past conflicts           Drug and alcohol use            Isolation from society

TREATMENT


There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, treatment simply helps to manage the symptoms. Multiple methods are undertaken in order to create a management plan for each individual so that symptoms can be monitored and severity in mood swings can be minimised.

These methods can include:

• Medications
• Psychotherapy or counselling 
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Illness Education 
• Reduction of stresses
• Healthy diet
• Exercise plan
• Being a part of a support group
• Charting of moods


WHERE TO GET HELP IN AUSTRALIA?


Make an appointment with your GP. Be specific about your states of highs and lows to your Dr as Bipolar is often misdiagnosed.


Online Support:

                         

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/

                         

http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ 

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Beyond Blue: Types of Depression. Found at: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/types-of-depression

Beyond Blue: For Men. Found at: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/men 

Black Dog Institute Fact sheet on Bipolar Disorder in Young People. Found at: http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/bipolardisorderinyoungpeople.pdf

National Institute of Mental Health Booklet on Bipolar Disorder. Found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/nimh-bipolar-adults.pdf