bipolar syndrome

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Bipolar Syndrome

By Michele Soloway-Sexton

Bipolar (General) , For Bipolar DisorderSurvivors

Bipolar Syndrome involves chemical imbalances in thebrain, particularly with neurotransmitter levels, which havea large range of effects on emotions, behavior, and braincirculation. These neurotransmitters are responsible forthe mood changes that are characteristic of BipolarDisorder.

The Bipolar Syndrome chemical foundation has to do withtwo particular neuro-transmitters and their levels. The twomain neurotransmitters needed in the brain are calledserotonin and norepinephrine.

In Bipolar Syndrome, low levels of serotonin and lowlevels of norepinephrine may cause the person to have abipolar depressive episode.

Researching Bipolar Syndrome, I found very little specificinformation other than that which I just shared above. Thereason is that, in reality, Bipolar Syndrome is just another

name for Bipolar Disorder. What I did find is that BipolarSyndrome is used by people who are using a morenaturalistic or alternative approach to the disorder.

At www.iop.kel.ac.uk, I did find that The Institute ofPsychiatry at the Maudsley, Kings College, London,
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/authors/4/Michele-Soloway%252dSextonhttp://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/Bipolar-%28General%29/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/For-Bipolar-Disorder-Survivors/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/For-Bipolar-Disorder-Survivors/http://www.iop.kel.ac.uk/http://www.iop.kel.ac.uk/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/For-Bipolar-Disorder-Survivors/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/For-Bipolar-Disorder-Survivors/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/categories/Bipolar-%28General%29/http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/authors/4/Michele-Soloway%252dSexton


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conducted what they called a "naturalistic study," in whichthey used the term "Bipolar Syndrome." In reading thestudy, however, the only thing I noticed was that they used

the term Bipolar Syndrome interchangeably with the termBipolar Disorder. In every other way, the information wasidentical to information available on Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Syndrome, as a term, was used as an excuse in acourt case in November 2005, in Hillsborough County,Florida, when a twenty-five-year-old middle school teacherwas found guilty of sexually molesting one of her fourteen-

year-old male students. She claimed that she was intreatment for "mental illness," which she later specified asBipolar Syndrome.

Bipolar Syndrome, as the media reported it then, wasdescribed as a condition where a person has "manicdepression," or a personality fission. They described thesymptoms of Bipolar Syndrome as happy one minute, and

then in the next minute sad, angry, lonely, or confused.

Bipolar Syndrome, according to my research, is justanother name for Bipolar Disorder. In everything I read,the information is identical to that which you can find undera search for Bipolar Disorder. The only difference seemsto be that people using the term Bipolar Syndrome leanmore towards naturalistic and homeopathic treatmentsand remedies. In all other ways, the two terms areinterchangeable, and not separate disorders.

Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder sometimes calledmanic-depressive illness or manic-depression that
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22133http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22133


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characteristically involves cycles of depression and elationor mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to lowand back again are dramatic and rapid, but more often

they are gradual and slow, and intervals of normal moodmay occur between the high (manic) and low (depressive)phases of the condition. The symptoms of both thedepressive and manic cycles may be severe and oftenlead to impaired functioning.

Both phases of the disease are deleterious. Mania affectsthinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that may

cause serious problems and embarrassment. Forexample, unwise business or financial decisions may bemade when an individual is in a manic phase. Depressioncan also affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior inways that may cause grave problems. For example, itelevates the risk of suicide. About 5.7 million Americanadults, or about 2.6 percent of the population aged 18 andolder, have bipolar disorder.

Although bipolar disorder often worsens over time ifuntreated, most people with bipolar disorder can achievestabilization of their mood swings and reduction ofsymptoms with proper treatment. Treatment usuallyconsists of medications known as "mood stabilizers."

See also: Manic-depression

BIPOLAR SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

Oct 27, 2009 | By Richard Nilsen
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=342http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4271http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4272http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24418http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4273http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4273http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24418http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4272http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4271http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=342


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The comedy/tragedy masks of theatrical arts could be anappropriate symbol for bipolar syndrome. Also calledmanic depressive illness, the sufferer may experience

extremes of highs and lows in cycles or "mixed moods"where some aspects of each mood are displayed. Themalady is episodic with manic "up" moods lasting days ata time until a turn comes unaccountably and the person isdepressed or "down" in mood for days at a time. Theintensity of the moods can lead to dangerous behavior atboth ends of the spectrum. When feeling up, a person mayengage in risky behavior and feel impervious to any

consequences of her actions. When feeling down, theperson may feel so lost he could become suicidal. Periodsof both manic and depressive moods that alternate mustbe present for the diagnosis to be applied.

MANIC MOOD

When in the up phase of bipolar syndrome, a personseems very energetic or even jumpy. She may talk veryfast and skip from one topic to another. She may jump intodifferent activities and engage in risky sex or spend moneythoughtlessly. She may have trouble sleeping, seemagitated or irritable.

DEPRESSIVE MOOD

In the down phase of bipolar, the reverse of the happy,energetic person appears. Where anything was possible inthe manic phase, nothing is worthwhile and all effortseems pointless when down and depressed. Lethargy,loss of interest in any activity, forgetfulness and difficulty inconcentrating on anything replace the extreme activity and


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disorder, these peaks and valleys are more severe.The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your

job and school performance, damage your

relationships, and disrupt your daily life. Andalthough bipolar disorder is treatable, many peopledont recognize the warning signs and get the help

they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsenwithout treatment, its important to learn what thesymptoms look like. Recognizing the problem is

the first step to getting it under control.

IN THIS ARTICLE: What is bipolar disorder?

Signs and symptoms

Treatment

Self-Help

Bipolar disorder and suicide

Causes and triggers

Related articles & resources

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What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)

causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking,and behaviorfrom the highs of mania on one

extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, thecycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, ormonths. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#whathttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#signshttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#treatmenthttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#selfhelphttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#suicidehttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#triggershttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#onlinehttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#onlinehttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#triggershttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#suicidehttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#selfhelphttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#treatmenthttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#signshttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#what


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mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intensethat they interfere with your ability to function.

During a manic episode, a person might

impulsively quit a job, charge up huge amounts oncredit cards, or feel rested after sleeping twohours. During a depressive episode, the same

person might be too tired to get out of bed and fullof self-loathing and hopelessness over beingunemployed and in debt.

The causes of bipolar disorder arent completelyunderstood, but it often runs in families. The firstmanic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder

usually occurs in the teenage years or earlyadulthood. The symptoms can be subtle andconfusing, so many people with bipolar disorderare overlooked or misdiagnosedresulting in

unnecessary suffering. But with proper treatmentand support, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life.

Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder

Myth: People with bipolar disorder cant get

better or lead a normal life.

Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have

successful careers, happy family lives, andsatisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorderis challenging. But with treatment, healthy copingskills, and a solid support system, you can live fullywhile managing your symptoms.


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Myth: People with bipolar disorder swingback and forth between mania anddepression.

Fact: Some people alternate between extremeepisodes of mania and depression, but most aredepressed more often than they are manic. Mania

may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized.People with bipolar disorder can also go for longstretches without symptoms.

Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood.

Fact: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy

level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite,

sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem.Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked toanxiety, substance abuse, and health problemssuch as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and

high blood pressure.Myth: Aside from taking medication, there isnothing you can do to control bipolardisorder.

Fact: While medication is the foundation of bipolar

disorder treatment, therapy and self-help

strategies also play important roles. You can help

control your symptoms by exercising regularly,getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring yourmoods, keeping stress to a minimum, andsurrounding yourself with supportive people.


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Signs and symptoms of bipolardisorder

Source: NIMH

Bipolar disorder can lookvery different in differentpeople. The symptoms varywidely in their pattern,

severity, and frequency.Some people are more prone to either mania ordepression, while others alternate equally between

the two types of episodes. Some have frequentmood disruptions, while others experience only afew over a lifetime.

There are four types of mood episodes in bipolardisorder:mania, hypomania, depression, andmixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder

mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.Signs and symptoms of mania

In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings ofheightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are

common. People experiencing a manic episodeoften talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and

are hyperactive. They may also feel like theyre all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness.

But while mania feels good at first, it has atendency to spiral out of control. People often

behave recklessly during a manic episode:


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gambling away savings, engaging in inappropriatesexual activity, or making foolish business

investments, for example. They may also become

angry, irritable, and aggressivepicking fights,lashing out when others dont go along with theirplans, and blaming anyone who criticizes their

behavior. Some people even become delusional orstart hearing voices.

Hypomania symptoms

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Peoplein a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, andproductive, but they are able to carry on with theirday-to-day lives and they never lose touch with

reality. To others, it may seem as if people withhypomania are merely in an unusually good mood.However, hypomania can result in bad decisions

that harm relationships, careers, and reputations.In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressiveepisode.

Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

Feeling unusually high andoptimistic ORextremely irritable

Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about onesabilities or powers

Sleeping very little, but feeling extremelyenergetic

Talking so rapidly that others cant keep up


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Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from oneidea to the next

Highly distractible, unable to concentrate

Impaired judgment and impulsiveness Acting recklessly without thinking about the

consequences

Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Signs and symptoms of bipolar depression

In the past, bipolar depression was lumped in with

regular depression. But a growing body of researchsuggests that there are significant differencesbetween the two, especially when it comes to

recommended treatments. Most people withbipolar depression are not helped byantidepressants. In fact, there is a risk thatantidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse

triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapidcycling between mood states, or interfering withother mood stabilizing drugs.

Despite many similarities, certain symptoms aremore common in bipolar depression than in regulardepression. For example, bipolar depression is

more likely to involve irritability, guilt,

unpredictable mood swings, and feelings ofrestlessness. People with bipolar depression alsotend to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and

gain weight. In addition, they are more likely todevelop psychotic depressiona condition in which


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theyve lost contact with realityand to experiencemajor disability in work and social functioning.

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Feeling hopeless, sad,or empty.

Irritability

Inability toexperience pleasure

Fatigue or loss of

energy Physical and mental

sluggishness

Appetite or weightchanges

Sleep problems

Concentration andmemory problems

Feelings of

worthlessness or guilt Thoughts of death or

suicide

Signs and symptoms of a mixed episode

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder featuressymptoms of both mania or hypomania anddepression. Common signs of a mixed episode

include depression combined with agitation,irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, andracing thoughts. This combination of high energy

and low mood makes for a particularly high risk ofsuicide.

The different faces of bipolar disorder

Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixedepisode) The classic manic-depressive formof the illness, characterized by at least one

manic episode or mixed episode. Usuallybut


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not alwaysBipolar I Disorder also involves atleast one episode of depression.

Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and

depression) In Bipolar II disorder, the persondoesnt experience full-blown manic episodes.Instead, the illness involves episodes of

hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild

depression) Cyclothymia is a milder form of

bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood

swings. However, the symptoms are less severethan full-blown mania or depression.

Treatment for bipolar disorder

If you spot the symptoms of bipolar depression in

yourself or someone else, dont wait to get help.Ignoring the problem wont make it go away; infact, it will almost certainly get worse. Living with

untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems ineverything from your career to your relationshipsto your health. Diagnosing the problem as early aspossible and getting into treatment can help

prevent these complications.

If youre reluctant to seek treatment because you

like the way you feel when youre manic,remember that the energy and euphoria come witha price. Mania and hypomania often turndestructive, hurting you and the people aroundyou.


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Basics of bipolar disorder treatment

Bipolar disorder requires long-termtreatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic,

relapsing illness, its important to continuetreatment even when youre feeling better.Most people with bipolar disorder need

medication to prevent new episodes and staysymptom-free.

There is more to treatment thanmedication. Medication alone is usually not

enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolardisorder. The most effective treatment strategyfor bipolar disorder involves a combination ofmedication, therapy, lifestyle changes, andsocial support.

Its best to work with an experiencedpsychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex

condition. Diagnosis can be tricky andtreatment is often difficult. For safety reasons,medication should be closely monitored. Apsychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder

treatment can help you navigate these twistsand turns.

Self-help for bipolar disorderWhile dealing with bipolar disorder isnt alwayseasy, it doesnt have to run your life. But in order

to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you haveto make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily


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habits have a significant impact on your moods.Read on for ways to help yourself:

Get educated. Learn as much as you can

about bipolar disorder. The more you know, thebetter youll be at assisting your own recovery.

Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stresssituations, maintain a healthy work-life

balance, and try relaxation techniques such asmeditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

Seek support. Its important to have peopleyou can turn to for help and encouragement.

Try joining a support group or talking to atrusted friend.

Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping,eating, and exercising habits can help stabilizeyour moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule

is particularly important. Monitor your moods. Keep track of your

symptoms and watch for signs that your moods

are swinging out of control so you can stop theproblem before it starts.

Bipolar disorder and suicide

The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is oftenvery severe, and suicide is a major risk factor. Infact, people suffering from bipolar disorder aremore likely to attempt suicide than those sufferingfrom regular depression. Furthermore, their suicideattempts tend to be more lethal.


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inherited vulnerability develops the illness,indicating that genes are not the only cause. Some

brain imaging studies show physical changes in the

brains of people with bipolar disorder. Otherresearch points to neurotransmitter imbalances,abnormal thyroid function, circadian rhythm

disturbances, and high levels of the stresshormone cortisol.

External environmental and psychological factors

are also believed to be involved in the

development of bipolar disorder. These externalfactors are called triggers. Triggers can set off new

episodes of mania or depression or make existingsymptoms worse. However, many bipolar disorderepisodes occur without an obvious trigger.

Stress Stressful life events can trigger

bipolar disorder in someone with a geneticvulnerability. These events tend to involvedrastic or sudden changeseither good or badsuch as getting married, going away to college,losing a loved one, getting fired, or moving.

Substance Abuse While substance abusedoesnt cause bipolar disorder, it can bring on

an episode and worsen the course of thedisease. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and

amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcoholand tranquilizers can trigger depression.


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Medication Certain medications, mostnotably antidepressant drugs, can trigger

mania. Other drugs that can cause mania

include over-the-counter cold medicine,appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids,and thyroid medication.

Seasonal Changes Episodes of mania anddepression often follow a seasonal pattern.

Manic episodes are more common during thesummer, and depressive episodes more

common during the fall, winter, and spring. Sleep Deprivation Loss of sleepeven as

little as skipping a few hours of restcantrigger an episode of mania.

bipolar syndrome

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