Posts Tagged ‘Mania’

• It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the population suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in their lives. Some people will experience just one or two episodes, whereas others will have many episodes of depression or mania. It occurs in both sexes and often first appears in the age group 18 -24 (stats from Royal College of Psychiatrists) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/manicdepressivepsychosis.htm
• For those who come from families with a history of the disease, the likelihood that future generations will be diagnosed with the disease increase by more than half. Researchers have been seeking a genetic link to the prevalence of the disease in families, and some progress has been made in studies of gene and myelin development within the central nervous system. Other studies have shown that over one half of patients diagnosed with a bipolar disorder have a history of past substance abuse, especially the use of cocaine. http://ezinearticles.com/?More-Interesting-Facts-About-Bipolar&id=559372
• According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the age of onset for bipolar disorder is 18 with the median onset age being 25. However, the medical community is now reconsidering this as more and more incidents of childhood and infant onset are diagnosed.
• Both men and women experience equal incidence of bipolar disorder, however, women tend to experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder more often while men tend most commonly to experience traditional bipolar disorder.
• Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
• The origins of bipolar disorder are not fully understood. Most agree that a variety of chemical, genetic, and environmental issues combine to trigger the disorder. Bipolar disorder also often coexists with substance abuse, although it isn’t clear whether the link is genetic or not www.associatedcontent.com
• Bipolar disorder is more common than most people know – it is estimated that one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar disorder. This means that out of every 100 people you know, one has bipolar disorder. www.associatedcontent.com
• Bipolar disorder is not a phase. You (or your loved one) will not snap out of it. Natural or homeopathic treatments will not cure bipolar disorder. If you suspect that you have bipolar disorder, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but proper treatment can make the difference between an unbearable existence and leading an active, productive life. www.associatedcontent.com
• More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization)
• Consumers with bipolar disorder face up to ten years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, with only one in four receiving an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. (DBSA, 2000)
• Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers with bipolar disorder are satisfied with their current medication(s), although side effects remain a problem. (DBSA, 1999)
• Consumers who report high levels of satisfaction with their treatment and treatment provider have a much more positive outlook about their illness and their ability to cope with it. (DBSA, 1999)
• Manic depression is likely to run in families and, in some cases, is believed to be hereditary. Researchers are still undergoing intense research to identify a gene that may be responsible for this disorder. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/mood/bipolar_disorder/Pages/index.aspx

I have been oh so lucky as to have been diagnosed as Bipolar II and I’m definitely a rapid cycler. My thoughts are definitely crazy but I guess you could say that having Bipolar II makes them a little less crazy. I don’t wander the streets in my underwear and think I have super powers but I do experience drastic mood changes that affect my daily life. My moods cycle rapidly throughout the day. Sometimes I have good days and some days I have bad days. Sometimes I have a good hour and the next hour I’m crying in the bathroom. I keep a journal of moods and it’s very interesting to visually see how up and down I am… crazy!

There are many different types of bipolar:

• Bipolar I and Mania
• Bipolar II and Hypomania
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Rapid Cycling
• Mixed Episode

The following definitions are taken from: http://www.mixednuts.net/bipolar.html

Bipolar I and Mania: Most people with bipolar I have episodes of both depression and mania. In very rare cases, they experience only mania. Bipolar I is distinguished from bipolar II by the severity and duration of the manic phase, which can last anywhere from a week to several months, and the experience of delusions. Risky behavior is common in manic episodes and patients often require hospitalization for their own safety.
The symptoms of mania can include rapid speech, insomnia, disconnected thoughts, grandiose ideas, hallucinations, extreme irritability, feelings of omnipotence, paranoia, violent behavior, a marked increase in strength, and openly promiscuous activity.

Bipolar II & Hypmania: People with bipolar II suffer primarily from episodes of severe depression with occasional episode of “mild” mania, called hypomania. Hypomania differs from mania in that no delusions are experienced.  Like mania, hypomania can cause severely impaired functioning. The hypomanic episode often feels so good that bipolar patients often discontinue their medication in quest of a hypomanic episode. This is especially problematic because symptoms that come back after stopping drug treatment are often much harder to get back under control a second time. While Bipolar II has sometimes been described as a “milder” form of bipolar disorder than Bipolar I, the suicide rate among people suffering from Bipolar II is actually higher than that for those suffering from Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder: People with cyclothymic disorder alternate between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as bipolar I and II, but persists for longer periods with no break in symptoms. Cyclothymic disorder can later become full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or can continue as a low-grade chronic condition.

Rapid Cycling: Most people with bipolar disorder have an average of 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some, however, experience much more severe symptoms called rapid cycling. They can swing (cycle) between “highs” and “lows” many times in one day. To be considered a rapid cycler, you must have at least 4 mood swings in a year.

 Mixed Episode: During a Mixed Episode, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time. The excitability and agitation of mania is coupled with depression and irritability. This combination of high energy and agitation along with depression makes the mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.