Bipolar 1 Disorder

Bipolar 1 disorder is known as being the sixth leading cause of disability in the world, and it is a condition which is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. As well, many bipolar 1 disorder episodes are characterized by elated mood, over-talkative or heightened talking speed, hyperactivity and agitation.

This disorder is considered as being a psychiatric condition that includes recurrent episodes of significant disturbances in mood. Diagnosis is based on the person's own reported experiences, and episodes of illness are often associated with distress and disruption, as well as with a high risk of suicide.

It is easy to see why a disorder such as this is taken so incredibly seriously. It is important to notify your doctor if at any point in your life you notice any signs or symptoms of the disorder in yourself, so that you can be properly diagnosed and assessed.

Statistics

Bipolar 1 disorder affects more than 2 million adult Americans alone, and it usually begins in late adolescence, although it can come on at any time in one's life. An equal number of men and women develop this condition, and as well it is found among all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes.

How it Works

Bipolar 1 disorder is quite a complex condition, and it is also known as manic depression because a person who is suffering from the disorder will often have intense mood swings, and their mood can alternate between highs and lows incredibly frequently and quickly.

They can go from feeling ecstatically happy and elated one moment to feeling angry and depressed the next.

These mood changes or mood swings can last for hours, days, weeks, even months. Mood changes with bipolar 1 disorder tend to happen gradually, and because of the instability of the condition in general, the group of people suffering from it are usually very difficult to treat, with high rates of failure.

Treatment

When it comes to the available methods of treatment for this disorder, there are actually quite a few. Although as of yet there is no cure for the condition, there are adequate and successful treatment options available. At the present time, the emphasis of treatment is on effective management of acute episodes, namely by use of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic techniques.

The most important thing to remember, if you are a sufferer of this condition, is that there is help available out there for you. Although you may feel helpless and desolate, there are ways to deal with your condition and to help relieve you of the debilitating symptoms and side effects.

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