Diagnosis and Treatment of Bi-Polar Disorder

Bi-Polar Disorder is a well know mental disorder. Many people try to deal with it everyday. Bi-Polar consists of manic episodes and depressed episodes as well. Periods of high or irritable moods are called manic episodes and can often times get the person into trouble. The person gains a lot of energy and becomes very active but usually in a scattered way which often has embarrassing consequences.

Most of the time someone who experiences feelings like this also has depressed (low) feelings. Most experience feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness and will not want to engage in activity during this phase. Often time's people with Bi-Polar disorder have suicidal thoughts and abuse drugs and alcohol more frequently.

The major symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder are extreme mood swings, irritable feelings, a high level of energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, easily distracted, having a hard time concentrating, delusions, hallucinations, feeling agitated, less or more sleep than normal, losing or gaining weight and thoughts of suicide or death. These symptoms are included with both manic and depressed episodes.

The diagnosis of Bi-Polar Disorder is based on a person's medical history and symptoms. The diagnosis is not just based on the person's recent symptoms but also problems they had in the past. Some medications and illnesses can cause a person to have manic and depressive symptoms so it is usually a good idea for both your psychiatrist and family doctor to work together. An example for the medications that can cause this would be anti depressants and steroids.

Some people experiencing manic episodes are sometimes not aware they are going through this and might have to be taken to the hospital even if they don't want to go. However after getting the treatment they need they are usually grateful for the help. People who are aware of their Bi-Polar symptoms and only seem to be getting worse need to contact a professional for more treatment.