Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder - which was more commonly called manic depression - can be very alarming to a patient or the patient's family. However, treatment is advancing steadily and many symptoms can be controlled.

Children, adolescents or adults can suffer this disorder, which is characterized by two opposite extremes of mood: mania and depression. Risk factors can include family history, ADD-HD, stress, abuse, hypothyroidism and even the effect of the time of year.

The usual pattern of bipolar disorder is one of increasing intensity and duration of symptoms that progresses slowly over many years. However, symptoms and severity may vary significantly between individuals. Bipolar disorder can be severe and long-term, or it can be mild with infrequent episodes. People can also experience periods of mixed symptoms.

Manifestations of mania can include periods of grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, psychomotor agitation and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that can have painful consequences. Depression can involve episodes of irritability, diminished interest, loss of pleasure in most activities, feelings of inappropriate guilt, fatigue, increased or decreased sleep, and even suicidal thoughts, among others. These symptoms call for medical intervention.

Bipolar disorder has significant consequences in an individual's life. Impaired thinking and judgment can lead to poor decision making and impulsiveness. This can have disastrous effects on one's physical and sexual health, and financial and social wellbeing. However, a combination of medications and other forms of therapy, including psychological support, can be very helpful. Several promising new treatments are currently under investigation.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Bipolar Disorder, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Bipolar Disorder?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Bipolar Disorder research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Bipolar Disorder.