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 BIPOLAR
DISORDER
Bipolar disorder, also
known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that
causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and function. These are
not the normal ups and downs; the symptoms of bipolar disorder
are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job
or school performance, and even suicide.
Bipolar disorder typically
develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some
people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop
them late in life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and
people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and
treated. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that requires
careful management.
Bipolar disorder causes
dramatic mood swings -- from overly high and, or, irritable to sad
and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood
in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with
these changes. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of
mania and depression.
Symptoms
Manic episode
 Increased
energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively
high, overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme
irritability
Racing
thoughts and talking fast, jumping from one idea to another
Inability
to concentrate
Little
sleep needed
Unrealistic
beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Increased
sexual drive
Provocative,
intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial
that anything is wrong
Depressive episode
Lasting
sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings
of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings
of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss
of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed,
including sex
Change
in appetite and, or, unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic
pain or other persistent physical symptoms not caused by
physical illness or injury
Thoughts
of death or suicide
A strategy that combines
medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the
disorder over time.
Ask
for help, now.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE
DISORDER
Seasonal affective disorder
(also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons.
The most common type of SAD is called winter depression. It usually
begins in late fall or early winter and normal mood returns in
summer. A less common type of SAD, known as summer depression,
usually begins in the late spring or early summer. SAD may be
related to changes in the amount of daylight you get.
Seasonal affective disorder
is estimated to affect 10 million Americans.
Symptoms
Feelings
of hopelessness and sadness
Thoughts
of suicide
Hypersomnia
or a tendency to oversleep
A
change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or
starchy foods
A
heavy feeling in the arms or legs
Decreased
physical activity
Light therapy can be used
in combination with behavioral therapies for a quick recovery.
Ask
for help, now.
DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
A depressive disorder is an
illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the
way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself and
the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the
same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness
or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a
depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get
better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or
years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who
suffer from depression.
Symptoms
Persistent
sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings
of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings
of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
Loss
of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were
once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased
energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty
concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Insomnia,
early morning awakening or oversleeping
Appetite
and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts
of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Restlessness,
irritability
Persistent
physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as
headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
Inappropriate
social behavior
Depending on the
patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may
prescribe one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven
effective for depression.
Ask
for help, now.
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