Diagnosing bipolar disorder is a very delicate and sensitive procedure. It is a condition that quite hard to diagnose that even some people go on living with it for years before being properly diagnosed. This is because the condition features multiple episodes. The manic phase is usually equated to a normal personality while the melancholic phase is considered a symptom of depression that is bipolar is misdiagnosed. The article will give you a description on how bipolar disorder is diagnosed.
Laboratory exams cannot detect bipolar disorder and therefore the most important tool in diagnosis of bipolar disorder is Mood Disorder Questionnaire or MDQ. The doctors can evaluate if tests should be continued by looking at the answers of the questionairre.
The doctor uses diagnostic exams to eliminate other conditions and highlight the current one. In the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, will take the person’s complete medical and psychiatric history. The doctor will use the medical history as reference by looking at the results of physical examination and inquiries about the symptoms the patient is currently experiencing. A reason for this is other illnesses and conditions produce similar symptoms of bipolar disorder. These include thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, Lupus, diabetes, epilepsy, salt imbalance, brain tumor, and head injury.
When they are checking for psychiatric history of bipolar people, they would usually inquire about the symptoms of mental conditions. Family members are also asked if they experience the same symptoms because bipolar disorder is passed on genetically. The questionnaire asks about the frequency of mood swings since this is one of the characteristics of bipolar disorder.
By examining the symptoms, and doctors can conclude the it fits the condition, then they can diagnose it as bipolar disorder. Also the current symptoms must have been present for a considerable length already or is already affecting the everyday functioning of the patient. Another key factor in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is the symptoms of mania or hypomania, since absence of either of those will imply that the person only has unipolar depression.
Showing posts with label Bipolar Disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bipolar Disorder. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
People who have bipolar disorder can look at alternative treatments so they can cope up with the debilitating effect. The goal of these alternative treatments for bipolar disorder is to help those who have it manage their symptoms so that they can still function in their everyday lives. It's important to check on some further material on alternative treatments and consult the psychiatrist whether you can try them out. This will ensure that the trials would be safe and won't affect your current medications.
An alternative treatment for bipolar disorder is the nutritional approach. Basically what it does is that it helps in the maintenance of your moods by taking in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help stabilize your emotions and prevent the triggering of mood episodes. Alternatively, you may try mood stabilizing compounds such as Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin), L-Taurine, and GABA aside from the normally prescribed lithium. You can try out other natural nutrients which also helps in maintaining a steady mood if you feel chary of taking such substances. These include Vitamin B complex. Magnesium and calcium, manganese, zinc, thiamin, B12, folic acid and methionine.
Another form of alternative treatments for bipolar disorder are culturally based healing arts. These are ancient or traditional health practices that not only helps in treating the body but the mind as well. While several studies have actually discovered that they can contribute to physical and mental well-being, practitioners of Western medicine still disputes the effectiveness of these approaches. Some of these culturally based healing arts, which has its origins all over the world, are acupuncture from China, Ayurveda Yoga of India and sweat lodge and taking circles from Native American traditional practices.
Various relaxation and stress reduction techniques can also be considered as alternative treatments for bipolar disorder. You can gain a lot of information by enrolling in classes. Stress reduction is important in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder since stress can trigger a mood episode which is something that you do not want to happen. These relaxation techniques can help you stabilize your emotions especially when you are in a stressful situation. Guided imagery or visualization, massage therapy, and biofeedback are some examples of stress reduction and relaxation techiniques.
An alternative treatment for bipolar disorder is the nutritional approach. Basically what it does is that it helps in the maintenance of your moods by taking in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help stabilize your emotions and prevent the triggering of mood episodes. Alternatively, you may try mood stabilizing compounds such as Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin), L-Taurine, and GABA aside from the normally prescribed lithium. You can try out other natural nutrients which also helps in maintaining a steady mood if you feel chary of taking such substances. These include Vitamin B complex. Magnesium and calcium, manganese, zinc, thiamin, B12, folic acid and methionine.
Another form of alternative treatments for bipolar disorder are culturally based healing arts. These are ancient or traditional health practices that not only helps in treating the body but the mind as well. While several studies have actually discovered that they can contribute to physical and mental well-being, practitioners of Western medicine still disputes the effectiveness of these approaches. Some of these culturally based healing arts, which has its origins all over the world, are acupuncture from China, Ayurveda Yoga of India and sweat lodge and taking circles from Native American traditional practices.
Various relaxation and stress reduction techniques can also be considered as alternative treatments for bipolar disorder. You can gain a lot of information by enrolling in classes. Stress reduction is important in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder since stress can trigger a mood episode which is something that you do not want to happen. These relaxation techniques can help you stabilize your emotions especially when you are in a stressful situation. Guided imagery or visualization, massage therapy, and biofeedback are some examples of stress reduction and relaxation techiniques.
Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?- A Self-diagnosis
Is there a time when you asked yourself this question: do I have bipolar disorder? Most of us do not have a degree in psychiatry but it is definitely possible for us to diagnose ourselves with the condition by assessing our symptoms. But you must be well aware that a self-diagnosis should never be a substitute for a professional diagnosis but it can definitely aid us in deciding whether its time to go visit a psychiatrist or not. To help you answer your question “do I have a bipolar disorder?”, here are some guidelines.
In having a bipolar disorder there are three preconditions. These are the classic signs of the condition. if you have encountered the aforementioned symptoms at one point in your life, then you should already have a hint that the answer to the "do i have bipolar disorder?" question is most definitely yes.
The first indicator to know the answer to the “do I have bipolar disorder” question is 2 weeks of clinical depression. One must not mistaken it to an ordinary feeling of depression but rather consider it to be a serious psychiatric condition. A clinical depression is experienced when the person cannot function normally due to feelings of loneliness and despair. It also includes symptoms such as weight change due to loss of appetite, lost of interest in things that were previously enjoyed, difficulty in sleeping, suicidal thoughts, inability to focus, an low activity levels.
Mood cycles is the second sign that will indicate the answer to the question "do i have bipolar disorder?” While many people ordinary experiences change of mood at any given day, those who have bipolar disorder have a more complicated mood cycles because when it is combined with the other two main indicators of the condition, it can produce such a huge effect on the lives of those affected by it.
Lastly, the symptom to help you know the answer the question "do i have bipolar disorder?" is if you feel unusually fidgety or strange at times of ordinary happiness. The tricky part of it is that it concerns to the manic attribute of the condition. Almost everyone, yes, including you, can easily misinterpret such characteristic is a part of your personality when it is already a symptom of bipolar disorder. Some symptoms like feelings of heightened senses and emotions, being irritable and impatient with people, being excessively creative with so much ideas and plans, taking a lot of goal-oriented tasks, and unusually increased feelings of confidence are also indications of manic dimension of bipolar disorder.
In having a bipolar disorder there are three preconditions. These are the classic signs of the condition. if you have encountered the aforementioned symptoms at one point in your life, then you should already have a hint that the answer to the "do i have bipolar disorder?" question is most definitely yes.
The first indicator to know the answer to the “do I have bipolar disorder” question is 2 weeks of clinical depression. One must not mistaken it to an ordinary feeling of depression but rather consider it to be a serious psychiatric condition. A clinical depression is experienced when the person cannot function normally due to feelings of loneliness and despair. It also includes symptoms such as weight change due to loss of appetite, lost of interest in things that were previously enjoyed, difficulty in sleeping, suicidal thoughts, inability to focus, an low activity levels.
Mood cycles is the second sign that will indicate the answer to the question "do i have bipolar disorder?” While many people ordinary experiences change of mood at any given day, those who have bipolar disorder have a more complicated mood cycles because when it is combined with the other two main indicators of the condition, it can produce such a huge effect on the lives of those affected by it.
Lastly, the symptom to help you know the answer the question "do i have bipolar disorder?" is if you feel unusually fidgety or strange at times of ordinary happiness. The tricky part of it is that it concerns to the manic attribute of the condition. Almost everyone, yes, including you, can easily misinterpret such characteristic is a part of your personality when it is already a symptom of bipolar disorder. Some symptoms like feelings of heightened senses and emotions, being irritable and impatient with people, being excessively creative with so much ideas and plans, taking a lot of goal-oriented tasks, and unusually increased feelings of confidence are also indications of manic dimension of bipolar disorder.
Looking For Bipolar Disorder Support Groups
To help people with this condition cope up with their lives, it is advisable for them to join bipolar disorder support groups. The reason is that bipolar disorder is a lifetime condition that cannot be cured and its symptoms can only be treated. People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder should accept the fact that they cannot hide from this condition and should be ready to go through the debilitating effects of this condition such as bouts of depression for the rest of their lives. People from bipolar disorder support groups can provide the best social support that a person with bipolar disorder needs.
Signing up for bipolar support groups is a great chance for you to be surrounded by people who truly understands your condition. The bouts of depression that comes with this condition can cause you to feel bad about your life and isolate yourself from people around you. Such behavior will only further bring you despair and even suicidal thoughts hence, this is not a good way to deal with your situation. The best way to deal with bipolar disorder is making new relationships with trustworthy people and most of them can be found in bipolar disorder support groups.
In bipolar disorder support groups you can find people who can look you in the eye and honestly say that they know exactly what you are going through. Why is it very important for people who are suffering from bipolar disorder? Do not think of it as a place where people who have bipolar disorder come together to pity each other’s situations. Rather think of it as a place where people with the condition gather to help each other make it their sufferings and struggles and have meaningful lives despite of what they are going through. Furthermore, to help people with bipolar disorder carry on with their lives bipolar disorder support groups provide peer support and invaluable advice.
Signing up for bipolar support groups is a great chance for you to be surrounded by people who truly understands your condition. The bouts of depression that comes with this condition can cause you to feel bad about your life and isolate yourself from people around you. Such behavior will only further bring you despair and even suicidal thoughts hence, this is not a good way to deal with your situation. The best way to deal with bipolar disorder is making new relationships with trustworthy people and most of them can be found in bipolar disorder support groups.
In bipolar disorder support groups you can find people who can look you in the eye and honestly say that they know exactly what you are going through. Why is it very important for people who are suffering from bipolar disorder? Do not think of it as a place where people who have bipolar disorder come together to pity each other’s situations. Rather think of it as a place where people with the condition gather to help each other make it their sufferings and struggles and have meaningful lives despite of what they are going through. Furthermore, to help people with bipolar disorder carry on with their lives bipolar disorder support groups provide peer support and invaluable advice.
Roots Of Bipolar Disorder
Biological and environmental factors play a big role in bipolar disorder. This makes this condition quite unique for each individual as people tend to have different life experiences. This article will help you discover things about bipolar disorder, its causes and how to cope with it.
Based on the available research materials, it is concluded that one of the main cause of bipolar disorder can be traced in the person's genes. To make a long story short, if your ancestors or relatives have bipolar disorder , chances are you have it too. While the exact genetic cause is still unclear, many twin studies have proven that the condition is indeed inheritable. Fraternal twins have different genetic makeup as compared to identical twins whose genetic composition are the same making them three time susceptible to bipolar disorder. There is a big possibility that bipolar disorder has been inherited genetically.
Another key biological causes of bipolar disorder can be traced to abnormalities in the neural processes in the brain. Those who have this condition have structural differences in certain brain areas. Another neurological factor that can be considered in the causes of bipolar disorder are the imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Environmental factors also play a very huge part in the causes of bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar disorder may still live a normal life especially if the environmental aspects of their life does not affect the initial stages of the condition. Environmental factors that can trigger bipolar disorders are traumatic childhood experiences, and so does stressful life events such as death of a loved one, loss of employment, displacement, etc.. Everybody experiences similar stressful situations but not everyone develops the condition. The unstable mixing of biological and environmental factors make bipolar disorder a potent brew.
Based on the available research materials, it is concluded that one of the main cause of bipolar disorder can be traced in the person's genes. To make a long story short, if your ancestors or relatives have bipolar disorder , chances are you have it too. While the exact genetic cause is still unclear, many twin studies have proven that the condition is indeed inheritable. Fraternal twins have different genetic makeup as compared to identical twins whose genetic composition are the same making them three time susceptible to bipolar disorder. There is a big possibility that bipolar disorder has been inherited genetically.
Another key biological causes of bipolar disorder can be traced to abnormalities in the neural processes in the brain. Those who have this condition have structural differences in certain brain areas. Another neurological factor that can be considered in the causes of bipolar disorder are the imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Environmental factors also play a very huge part in the causes of bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar disorder may still live a normal life especially if the environmental aspects of their life does not affect the initial stages of the condition. Environmental factors that can trigger bipolar disorders are traumatic childhood experiences, and so does stressful life events such as death of a loved one, loss of employment, displacement, etc.. Everybody experiences similar stressful situations but not everyone develops the condition. The unstable mixing of biological and environmental factors make bipolar disorder a potent brew.
A Deeper Understanding On The Characteristics Of Bipolar Disorder
The manic-depressive psychiatric condition of bipolar disorder is one of its main characteristics. People who have this condition have sudden extreme mood shifts, being very ecstatic at one moment and then just unexpectedly becoming depressed without warning. The sudden changes affects the energy level and as a result so does the level of activity. It may be difficult for people with bipolar disorder to fulfill their everyday tasks as this is a debilitating condition. This article will discuss some more bipolar disorder's characteristics.
People who have bipolar disorder experience two distinct mood episodes. Manic episodes are often experienced when one becomes too joyous and active, while depressive episode is a moment of unapparent sadness and loneliness. Bipolar disorder's mood swings are way different from the normal mood swings that are experienced by those who don't have it. There are even times when an episode have a combined symptoms from both mania and depression and is called a mixed state.
Talking very quickly, getting distracted easily, being restless, decreased sleeping time, impulsive and high-risk behavior, having an exaggerated belief in one’s own abilities, and preference of taking goal-oriented activities are most of the characteristics of a person suffering from manic episode of bipolar disorder. On the other hand, when in a depressive episode, the person with bipolar disorder are often lethargic, could not focus on a task, is often worrisome, lacks interest in activities that are usually enjoyed, and have thoughts of death and suicide.
Because of such unstable emotions, this can severely affect the various activities of a person. Sudden changes in activity, sleep, behavior and energy are manifestations of the characteristics of bipolar disorder. And thus, the consequence is the person cannot cope properly at school, work or even at home.
A bipolar person can experience difference characteristics of its symptom, either he or she goes through a long bout of emotional instability or immediate manic depression episodes. A bipolar person can be experiencing an episode if he or she is manifesting manic or depressive symptoms every day for two weeks.
People who have bipolar disorder experience two distinct mood episodes. Manic episodes are often experienced when one becomes too joyous and active, while depressive episode is a moment of unapparent sadness and loneliness. Bipolar disorder's mood swings are way different from the normal mood swings that are experienced by those who don't have it. There are even times when an episode have a combined symptoms from both mania and depression and is called a mixed state.
Talking very quickly, getting distracted easily, being restless, decreased sleeping time, impulsive and high-risk behavior, having an exaggerated belief in one’s own abilities, and preference of taking goal-oriented activities are most of the characteristics of a person suffering from manic episode of bipolar disorder. On the other hand, when in a depressive episode, the person with bipolar disorder are often lethargic, could not focus on a task, is often worrisome, lacks interest in activities that are usually enjoyed, and have thoughts of death and suicide.
Because of such unstable emotions, this can severely affect the various activities of a person. Sudden changes in activity, sleep, behavior and energy are manifestations of the characteristics of bipolar disorder. And thus, the consequence is the person cannot cope properly at school, work or even at home.
A bipolar person can experience difference characteristics of its symptom, either he or she goes through a long bout of emotional instability or immediate manic depression episodes. A bipolar person can be experiencing an episode if he or she is manifesting manic or depressive symptoms every day for two weeks.
A Short Background On Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder has a long history as seen by the etymology of melancholia and mania came from Ancient Greece. During the 2nd century AD, the Greek physician Soranus of Ephesus described mania and melancholia as distinct illnesses with different causes and but acknowledged that other people consider melancholia as a type of disease of mania. In the meantime, another Greek physician Arateus of Cappadocia recognized both symptoms and contemplated if they are however related.
A lot of people consider the book of Richard Burton in 1650 , The Anatomy of Melancholia, a milestone in bipolar disorder because of his discussions about depression. His work is considered to be a classic and today he is acknowledge as the " Father of Depression as a Mental Illness".
It was only during the 1850s that a clear conceptualization of a manic-depressive condition was formed, considering the very long history of bipolar disorder. Jules Baillarger and Jean-Pierre Fairet, both presented a disorder that has manic depressive syndrome but both cannot agree on who initialized and conceptualized this condition.
When the term "manic-depressive psychosis" was coined by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in 1913, it was considered a milestone in bipolar disorder. He studied the natural course of untreated bipolar patients and found out that the bouts of mania and depression were punctuated by symptom-free periods wherein the individual can function normally.
Meanwhile Dr initiated the use of lithium carbonate to treat manic-depressive psychosis. John Cade after the World War II. By 1950’s, hospitals began trying the effectiveness of lithium on their patients. However, Lithium was only approved as medication during the 70's by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Despite the long history of bipolar disorder, it is only institutionalized in 1968 during the first revision of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). In 1980, the revision of Diagnostic and Statistic of Mental Disorder changed the term manic-depressive illness to bipolar disorder.
A lot of people consider the book of Richard Burton in 1650 , The Anatomy of Melancholia, a milestone in bipolar disorder because of his discussions about depression. His work is considered to be a classic and today he is acknowledge as the " Father of Depression as a Mental Illness".
It was only during the 1850s that a clear conceptualization of a manic-depressive condition was formed, considering the very long history of bipolar disorder. Jules Baillarger and Jean-Pierre Fairet, both presented a disorder that has manic depressive syndrome but both cannot agree on who initialized and conceptualized this condition.
When the term "manic-depressive psychosis" was coined by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in 1913, it was considered a milestone in bipolar disorder. He studied the natural course of untreated bipolar patients and found out that the bouts of mania and depression were punctuated by symptom-free periods wherein the individual can function normally.
Meanwhile Dr initiated the use of lithium carbonate to treat manic-depressive psychosis. John Cade after the World War II. By 1950’s, hospitals began trying the effectiveness of lithium on their patients. However, Lithium was only approved as medication during the 70's by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Despite the long history of bipolar disorder, it is only institutionalized in 1968 during the first revision of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). In 1980, the revision of Diagnostic and Statistic of Mental Disorder changed the term manic-depressive illness to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder And The Different Types
The three main types of bipolar disorder can be characterized by its manic depressive episodes. In a manic episode, the person is unusually irritable and has increased levels of energy and a decreased need for sleep. In a depressive episode, the person experience sadness, melancholy, loss of hope and tends to be tired and weak, leading to periods of inactivity. Different types of bipolar disorders differences concentrate mainly on the severity or combination of these episodes.
A type of bipolar disorder is Bipolar I and is considered a classic concept of a person suffering from manic depression syndrome. People who have bipolar I disorder have a more prolonged manic episodes which may last from a week to several months. During the manic phase of this type of bipolar disorder, the sufferer tends to experience self importance of the highest level, and illusions of grandeur.
The next classification after bipolar I is of course bipolar II disorder. In this type of bipolar disorder, the person does not suffer from a manic episode but rather experiences a milder hypomanic phase. In this way, delusions can be minimized and they can cope more than those who have bipolar I disorder. The hypomanic phase in this type of bipolar disorder can even feel so good that some peoples stop their medication so that they can experience this episode.
The third and last classification of the types of bipolar disorder is known as the cyclothymic disorder. The mood swings of the person who has this type is milder, as compared to the first two types. This condition has been there for quite some time waiting to be developed into a full blown bipolar disorder.
A symptom called rapid cycling can be considered as a sub-type of the mentioned types of bipolar disorder. People who have this kind of bipolar disorder experience four episode changes in the period of one year. Others may even experience suffer from multiple episodes within just a day, and can result in a severe depression as well as suicide attempts.
A type of bipolar disorder is Bipolar I and is considered a classic concept of a person suffering from manic depression syndrome. People who have bipolar I disorder have a more prolonged manic episodes which may last from a week to several months. During the manic phase of this type of bipolar disorder, the sufferer tends to experience self importance of the highest level, and illusions of grandeur.
The next classification after bipolar I is of course bipolar II disorder. In this type of bipolar disorder, the person does not suffer from a manic episode but rather experiences a milder hypomanic phase. In this way, delusions can be minimized and they can cope more than those who have bipolar I disorder. The hypomanic phase in this type of bipolar disorder can even feel so good that some peoples stop their medication so that they can experience this episode.
The third and last classification of the types of bipolar disorder is known as the cyclothymic disorder. The mood swings of the person who has this type is milder, as compared to the first two types. This condition has been there for quite some time waiting to be developed into a full blown bipolar disorder.
A symptom called rapid cycling can be considered as a sub-type of the mentioned types of bipolar disorder. People who have this kind of bipolar disorder experience four episode changes in the period of one year. Others may even experience suffer from multiple episodes within just a day, and can result in a severe depression as well as suicide attempts.
A Deeper Look: Bipolar In Children
Bipolar disorder in children has it diagnosis traced back to the criteria of condition in adults. However, it is a very possible occurrence considering that genetics has such a huge factor in bipolar disorder and therefore an offspring of two individuals that both have a genetic predisposition to the condition could have an onset of it at a very young age. Bipolar disorder in children is very difficult to manage because their social skills are still developing and they are still trying to fit in the society.
Manic and depressive episodes are also experienced by children who are bipolar. A child's behavioral problem can be attributed to this hence they have a hard time establishing good relationships with friends and family. Other children wouldn’t want to make friends with them and sometimes, even family members that are unaware of their condition despise them. Childhood for such individuals is a nightmare because of these experiences.
Besides the classic symptoms of bipolar disorder, children who are bipolar also experience temper tantrums, separation anxiety, distractibility, hyperactivity, bed-wetting, among others . Also, in bipolar disorder in children, the mood swings are more frequent than those that are experienced by adults. Bipolar children's grades in school have an inversely proportional effect, the higher their grades in academics, the lower their behavioral evaluation. They are also very prone to violent behavior such as cruelty to animals, self-mutilation, and even suicide.
If you notice that your child is exhibiting signs of bipolar disorder in children, then do not hesitate to seek professional help. Though bipolar disorder is incurable its symptoms can be managed through medications and treatments. However, bipolar disorder problems doesn't end with the treatment, family members should realize that this will be with them for a lifetime. Every children has special needs and every family member should be supportive in coping with them.
Manic and depressive episodes are also experienced by children who are bipolar. A child's behavioral problem can be attributed to this hence they have a hard time establishing good relationships with friends and family. Other children wouldn’t want to make friends with them and sometimes, even family members that are unaware of their condition despise them. Childhood for such individuals is a nightmare because of these experiences.
Besides the classic symptoms of bipolar disorder, children who are bipolar also experience temper tantrums, separation anxiety, distractibility, hyperactivity, bed-wetting, among others . Also, in bipolar disorder in children, the mood swings are more frequent than those that are experienced by adults. Bipolar children's grades in school have an inversely proportional effect, the higher their grades in academics, the lower their behavioral evaluation. They are also very prone to violent behavior such as cruelty to animals, self-mutilation, and even suicide.
If you notice that your child is exhibiting signs of bipolar disorder in children, then do not hesitate to seek professional help. Though bipolar disorder is incurable its symptoms can be managed through medications and treatments. However, bipolar disorder problems doesn't end with the treatment, family members should realize that this will be with them for a lifetime. Every children has special needs and every family member should be supportive in coping with them.
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