Bipolar disorder is a serious brain disease affecting over 2 million American adults. This eMedTV article describes the extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning that characterize the disease, and explains why proper treatment is crucial.
Bipolar causes are not linked to one specific origin, but rather to several combined factors. As discussed in this page of the eMedTV archives, genetic factors, in combination with other aspects of a person or the environment, may be bipolar causes.
Bipolar disorder symptoms often shift radically, varying from extreme happiness to depression. This page from the eMedTV Web site describes symptoms of bipolar disorder in more detail, explaining the balance of manic and depressive symptoms.
Since bipolar disorder is a mental illness, there is no test that can diagnose the condition. This section of the eMedTV library explains why a bipolar test does not exist and lists the factors that doctors look for when considering a diagnosis.
Several bipolar disorder treatment options have been effective in stabilizing the radical mood swings. This eMedTV Web resource offers an in-depth look at how medications and psychosocial remedies can be beneficial treatment options.
Medications have proven to be extremely beneficial in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. This eMedTV segment describes how bipolar medications such as lithium and valproate can be effective in controlling and preventing mood swings.
Bipolar psychosocial treatments are often combined with medications to help treat bipolar disorder. As explained in this eMedTV article, bipolar psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help increase mood stability.
ECT for bipolar disorder is typically a last resort, when other treatment options are ineffective. This eMedTV resource further explains when ECT for bipolar disorder is appropriate and the potential risks and benefits of this type of treatment.
Bipolar help generally consists of obtaining assistance from qualified mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. This eMedTV article offers suggestions and ideas as to where bipolar help can be attained.
As this eMedTV page explains, suicide is an unfortunate incidence that occurs in some patients suffering from bipolar disorder. This article discusses suicide and bipolar disorder in greater detail, including some of the warning signs to look out for.
As this eMedTV article explains, it can be more difficult to handle bipolar disorder in children because they experience more mood swings than adults. However, once the condition is identified and diagnosed, it can be appropriately treated.
