disAbility Tidbits - November 2008

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning.  These changes may be subtle or dramatic and typically vary greatly over the course of a person’s life as well as among individuals. Over 10 million people in America have bipolar disorder, and the illness affects men and women equally. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children. Most people generally require some sort of lifelong treatment. While medication is one key element in successful treatment of bipolar disorder, psychotherapy, support, and education about the illness are also essential components of the treatment process. 

Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder.  The symptoms of mania may include:

·         Either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood

·         Increased physical and mental activity and energy

·         Racing thought and flight of ideas

·         Increased talking, more rapid speech than normal

·         Ambitious, often grandiose plans

·         Risk taking

·         Impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion, and alcohol abuse

·         Decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue

Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder.  The symptoms of depression may include:

·         Loss of energy

·         Prolonged sadness

·         Decreased activity and energy

·         Restlessness and irritability

·         Inability to concentrate or make decisions

·         Increased feelings of worry and anxiety

·         Less interest or participation, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed

·         Feelings of guilt and hopelessness

·         Thoughts of suicide

·         Change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)

·         Change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is a treatable and manageable illness. After an accurate diagnosis, most people can achieve an optimal level of wellness. Medication is an essential element of successful treatment for people with bipolar disorder. In addition, psychosocial therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and psycho education are important to help people understand the illness and to internalize skills to cope with the stresses that can trigger episodes. Changes in medications or doses may be necessary, as well as changes in treatment plans during different stages of the illness.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.  NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses.  NAMI members and friends work to fulfill our mission by providing support, education, and advocacy.  Information on NAMI can be found at:  www.nami.org

Local NAMI affiliates with meetings in our area are located in Dyer County, Tipton County, Madison County, and Weakley County.  The contact person for these areas is:

Carol Roy

Regional Coordinator

West TN

1-877-740-7002

croy@namitn.org