About Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disorder characterized by periods of elation and depression. The happy, elevated mood phase is known as mania. During mania, individuals feel abnormally energetic and restless. They may shift from feelings of happiness to feelings of anger and irritability. They may make decisions without thinking about consequences. During depression, people may feel sad and to the point of crying. They may have a negative outlook on life. Though people with bipolar disorder have mood swings, they also experience periods of normal behavior.
Manic Symptoms:
Depression Symptoms:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published by the American Psychiatric Association and defines the symptoms and criteria for diagnosing bipolar (and related) disorders. Doctor and mental health providers use the DSM-5 to diagnose mental conditions. There are several types of bipolar disorder. However, it is important to note that symptoms vary from person to person.
Bipolar I Disorder: characterized by at least one manic episode in a lifetime. The manic phase can be preceded or followed by depression. People with bipolar I disorder may experience feelings of psychosis and may require hospitalizations.
Bipolar II Disorder: People with bipolar II disorder have had at least one depressive phase lasting at least two weeks and one hypomanic (less than manic) phase lasting at least four days. Moods cycle between elation and depression. However, individuals with bipolar II disorder never reach full-on mania.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: People experience four or more episodes of mania or depression over the course of one year. About 10-20 percent of people with bipolar disorder have rapid cycling.
Mixed Bipolar Disorder: Unlike most forms of bipolar disorder where moods alternate between elation and depression, mixed bipolar disorder is characterized by feelings of mania and depression at the same time or in a rapid sequence.
Cyclothymic Bipolar Disorder: characterized by mild symptoms of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder have had at least two years of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
Currently, there is no known cause of bipolar disorder. Researchers are trying to pinpoint the cause. However, several factors are observed in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder:
1) Biological: People with bipolar disorder have physical changes to their brain
2) Chemical: People with bipolar disorder have abnormal amounts of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
3) Inheritance: People who have a first-degree relative (sibling or parent) with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk.
In addition to these common signs, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder, such as stress, drug or alcohol abuse, and major life change. People affected by bipolar disorder are at risk of suicide, self-harm, and alcohol and substance abuse. They are also known to have anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and addiction or substance abuse.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Though there is no cure, there is treatment. Medications called mood stabilizers are used to treat individuals affected by bipolar disorder. To treat mania, Depakote and Tegretol are commonly used. For depression, Seroquel and Symbyax are used.
Are people with bipolar disorder dangerous?
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, people can become restless and irritable. Therefore, there is a risk of danger. If your sibling experiences a manic episode, tell an adult and contact a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve an individual’s health and behavior and reduce the risk of danger.
How can I tell if my sibling suffers from bipolar disorder?
Though symptoms vary between individuals, look for changes in mood and behavior. People with bipolar disorder often stop caring about their appearance and experience a change in appetite. They can also feel overly happy, irritable, or sad. If you think your sibling has bipolar disorder, tell him or her that you are concerned and ask questions. Turn to an adult to help you with this situation.
How can I help my sibling with bipolar disorder?
There are many ways. First, encourage your sibling to take his or her medicine and attend doctor appointments. Early treatment can help significantly. It’s also good to learn about the disorder so you can be as supportive as possible – which is what you are doing right now!
Reassure your sibling that you are there to for support. Please note that you may have some difficulty because people with bipolar disorder may feel irritable and may not be easy to be around. Don’t take this personally. Help as much as possible and be the best sibling you can be. Read our advice column and talk to other siblings for more advice!
Examples of Associations that Assist Bipolar Disorder Families:
International Society for Bipolar Disorders
Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder (Canada)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
More information about Bipolar Disorder and manic depression can be found online at
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/
Picture from: www.postpartumprogress.com/story-postpartum-bipolar-disorder
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disorder characterized by periods of elation and depression. The happy, elevated mood phase is known as mania. During mania, individuals feel abnormally energetic and restless. They may shift from feelings of happiness to feelings of anger and irritability. They may make decisions without thinking about consequences. During depression, people may feel sad and to the point of crying. They may have a negative outlook on life. Though people with bipolar disorder have mood swings, they also experience periods of normal behavior.
Manic Symptoms:
- High self-esteem
- Restlessness
- Increased goal-oriented activity
- Risk-taking
- Decreased need for sleep
Depression Symptoms:
- Depressed mood. Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, and to the point of crying.
- Reduced interest or feeling of pleasure
- Weight loss, lack of appetite
- Excessive sleeping
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Inability to think or make decisions
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published by the American Psychiatric Association and defines the symptoms and criteria for diagnosing bipolar (and related) disorders. Doctor and mental health providers use the DSM-5 to diagnose mental conditions. There are several types of bipolar disorder. However, it is important to note that symptoms vary from person to person.
Bipolar I Disorder: characterized by at least one manic episode in a lifetime. The manic phase can be preceded or followed by depression. People with bipolar I disorder may experience feelings of psychosis and may require hospitalizations.
Bipolar II Disorder: People with bipolar II disorder have had at least one depressive phase lasting at least two weeks and one hypomanic (less than manic) phase lasting at least four days. Moods cycle between elation and depression. However, individuals with bipolar II disorder never reach full-on mania.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: People experience four or more episodes of mania or depression over the course of one year. About 10-20 percent of people with bipolar disorder have rapid cycling.
Mixed Bipolar Disorder: Unlike most forms of bipolar disorder where moods alternate between elation and depression, mixed bipolar disorder is characterized by feelings of mania and depression at the same time or in a rapid sequence.
Cyclothymic Bipolar Disorder: characterized by mild symptoms of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder have had at least two years of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
Currently, there is no known cause of bipolar disorder. Researchers are trying to pinpoint the cause. However, several factors are observed in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder:
1) Biological: People with bipolar disorder have physical changes to their brain
2) Chemical: People with bipolar disorder have abnormal amounts of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
3) Inheritance: People who have a first-degree relative (sibling or parent) with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk.
In addition to these common signs, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder, such as stress, drug or alcohol abuse, and major life change. People affected by bipolar disorder are at risk of suicide, self-harm, and alcohol and substance abuse. They are also known to have anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and addiction or substance abuse.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Though there is no cure, there is treatment. Medications called mood stabilizers are used to treat individuals affected by bipolar disorder. To treat mania, Depakote and Tegretol are commonly used. For depression, Seroquel and Symbyax are used.
Are people with bipolar disorder dangerous?
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, people can become restless and irritable. Therefore, there is a risk of danger. If your sibling experiences a manic episode, tell an adult and contact a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve an individual’s health and behavior and reduce the risk of danger.
How can I tell if my sibling suffers from bipolar disorder?
Though symptoms vary between individuals, look for changes in mood and behavior. People with bipolar disorder often stop caring about their appearance and experience a change in appetite. They can also feel overly happy, irritable, or sad. If you think your sibling has bipolar disorder, tell him or her that you are concerned and ask questions. Turn to an adult to help you with this situation.
How can I help my sibling with bipolar disorder?
There are many ways. First, encourage your sibling to take his or her medicine and attend doctor appointments. Early treatment can help significantly. It’s also good to learn about the disorder so you can be as supportive as possible – which is what you are doing right now!
Reassure your sibling that you are there to for support. Please note that you may have some difficulty because people with bipolar disorder may feel irritable and may not be easy to be around. Don’t take this personally. Help as much as possible and be the best sibling you can be. Read our advice column and talk to other siblings for more advice!
Examples of Associations that Assist Bipolar Disorder Families:
International Society for Bipolar Disorders
Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder (Canada)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
More information about Bipolar Disorder and manic depression can be found online at
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/
Picture from: www.postpartumprogress.com/story-postpartum-bipolar-disorder
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
