Manic-depressive illness is also known as bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder

                                    Manic-depressive illness is also known as bipolar disorder, it is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in energy, activity levels, mood to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Types of bipolar disorder;

Bipolar I Disorder: It is defined by manic episodes by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care that last at least 7 days. Simply, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. The depressions Episodes are mixed with features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.

Bipolar II Disorder: It is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypo manic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.

III Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia): It is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (adolescents and 1 year in children). The symptom does not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.

Signs and Symptoms: Extreme changes in energy sleep patterns, mood episodes and activity levels, intense emotion, agitated, irritable, or touchy feel very sad, down, empty, or hopeless.

• Feel worried and empty, have trouble concentrating, both manic and depressive symptoms.

Diagnosis:

• ADHD and Anxiety: Anxiety disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often diagnosed among people with bipolar disorder.
• Abuse Substances: People with bipolar disorder may also misuse alcohol or drugs, have relationship problems, or perform poorly in school or at work.

Risk Factors:

• Brain Structure and Functioning: Some studies show how the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of healthy people or people with other mental disorders.
• Family History, Genetics

Treatments and Therapies:

• Mood stabilizers
• Atypical antipsychotics
• Antidepressants

Psychotherapy:

1. Family-focused therapy
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
4. Psycho education

Alternative Treatments:

• Sleep Medications: People with bipolar disorder who have trouble sleeping usually find that treatment is helpful. However, if sleeplessness does not improve, a doctor may suggest a change in medications.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): It can provide relief from severe bipolar disorder who have not been able to recover with other treatments.
• Supplements: Not much research has been conducted on herbal or natural supplements and how they may affect bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, manic symptoms, manic episodes, depressive episodes

• http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder
• https://www.verywell.com/bipolar-medications-4014103
• http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm
• http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bipolar.html
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar disorder/basics/definition/con-20027544
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-listing.shtml
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/pmht0024571/