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Bipolar
Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a type of affective disorder that involves unusual shifts
in mood state, energy level and behavior. These dramatic fluctuations may
alternate between depression, normal mood, and elation and/or irritability. The
effects of Bipolar Disorder frequently contribute to damaged relationships, poor
academic performance and other life difficulties. Bipolar Disorder ranges in
severity. Bipolar I Disorder, which is characterized by recurrent
episodes of both manic and depressive episodes, is the classic
form of the disorder. Bipolar II Disorder is more common than Bipolar I,
and consists of recurrent depressive episodes with at least one episode of “hypomania,”
which is less severe than a manic episode.
Prevalence
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 2 million
Americans or about 1% of the population 18 or older have Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder tends to run in families, and is believed to be a biologically
based brain disorder. It often emerges during adolescence or early adulthood,
and is very commonly first diagnosed during the college years. Because it is a
chronic disorder, early diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is very important as it
needs to be appropriately treated in an ongoing way. The first episode of
Bipolar Disorder may be triggered by stress. College students are away from home
for the first time, leading to adjustment issues such as loneliness, changes in
sleep schedule, daily habits, and the abuse of drugs or alcohol. These kinds of
stressors at college may trigger the onset of Bipolar Disorder in a student who
is at genetic risk.
Symptoms
The elevated mood states of Bipolar Disorder are referred to as manic or
hypomanic episodes. Manic episodes occur in Bipolar Disorder I and are more
severe and disruptive to the individual’s functioning than hypomanic episodes.
Symptoms of both mania and hypomania may include:
- Excessively high or euphoric mood, and/or extreme irritability
- Inflated self-esteem or unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts, and talking that is fast, pressured, or jumps from one
topic to another
- Distractibility and inability to focus
- Increased activity level
- Poor judgment and risky behavior, such as reckless spending, increased
sexual activity or abuse of substances
- Provocative or aggressive behavior
- Denial that there is a problem
During the depressed phase of Bipolar Disorder, the following symptoms may
occur:
- Feeling down or depressed much of the day
- Lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of appetite, overeating or digestive problems
- Excessive sleeping, insomnia or early morning awakening
- Loss of sexual desire
- Physical complaints, such as headache, backache or other unexplained
pain/discomfort
- Physical agitation or restlessness
- Chronic fatigue, loss of energy or lack of motivation
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt of selfblame
- Difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, indecisiveness or confusion
- Neglect of physical appearance or hygiene
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of mania and depression sometimes occur together in what is called a
mixed episode. In a mixed episode, a person may feel depressed and
hopeless, while at the same time being agitated and energized. Severe cases of
mania or depression in Bipolar Disorder can include symptoms of psychosis,
such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices, believing something is there
that isn’t) or delusions (persistent, false beliefs such as being
convinced he/she leads the country, is a famous musician, etc.).
Treatment
A trained mental health professional can diagnosis Bipolar Disorder on the
basis of symptoms, the course of the illness and family history. It is important
to seek help for Bipolar Disorder as it is a lifelong disorder and is likely to
worsen without treatment. Without effect treatment, manic and depressive
episodes tend to occur more frequently (“rapid-cycling”) and are more
severe. Fortunately, effective treatment can greatly assist the individual with
Bipolar Disorder to lead a healthy, productive life. A combined treatment of
medication and psychotherapy, in which the individual learns how to track and
manage symptoms, is typically very effective in stabilizing the moods of Bipolar
Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is usually treated with a class of medications known
as “mood-stabilizers” (e.g. Lithium; “Depakote”). Sometimes, the mood stabilizer
may be combined with an anti-depressant medication. It is important that a
psychiatrist, who is an expert in psychiatric medication, be prescribing and
closely monitoring medication for any kind of mood disorder as anti-depressant
medications may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in an individual with a
genetic predisposition to Bipolar Disorder.
Counseling is a very valuable tool in coping with Bipolar Disorder. Villanova
students are invited to schedule confidential counseling sessions with an
experienced, caring psychologist. Appointments can be made by stopping by the
University Counseling Center at 206 Health Services Building or by calling
610-519-4050.
More Information
More information on Bipolar Disorder:
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