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Search HIPusa.com Powered by Behavioral Health Options HIP Behavioral Health Services Mental Health Center Closings Mental Health Network Providers Common Psychiatric Disorders Information for members regarding Timothy's Law	Mood Disorders Bipolar Disorder The Most Important Facts About Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects at least two million Americans at any one time. Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that lasts for life and requires ongoing medical treatment. This illness often reoccurs because people stop taking their prescribed medications. Bipolar disorder is often associated with drug abuse, smoking, alcoholism and other addictions. Bipolar disorder may cause destructive and irresponsible behavior. Bipolar disorder is under diagnosed. Bipolar disorder, when untreated, may lead to psychosis. Bipolar disorder, when untreated, may lead to suicide. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by depressive episodes that are occasionally replaced by manic episodes of unreasonable elation, grandiosity and impulsive behavior. Bipolar disorder is an illness that seriously impairs one’s work and/or school performance, family life and social relationships. If left untreated, Bipolar Disorder tends to worsen and may even result in psychosis. Bipolar Disorder is not! Bipolar disorder is not an illness that is likely to get better on its own. Bipolar disorder is not an indication of a weak personality or a character flaw. Bipolar disorder is not anyone’s fault. What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder manifests itself in alternating depressive and manic episodes. Symptoms of depressive episode may include: Hopelessness Helplessness Sadness Sleeping too much or too little Loss of sexual desire Crying for no apparent reason Withdrawal from people Loss of motivation Loss of interest in one’s physical appearance Loss of interest in activities which were once of interest Thinking of oneself as a failure Low self esteem Criticizing oneself frequently Blaming oneself Being pessimistic about the future Symptoms of manic episodes may include: Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity Decreased need for sleep More talkative then usual Flight of ideas Pressured speech Distractibility Irritability Impatience Psychomotor agitation Increase in goal directed activity Increased risk taking behavior Increased in sexual indiscretions What is the Cause of Bipolar Disorder? Genetics (it runs in families) Imbalances in chemicals that modulate the function of the brain Stressful life events can trigger the illness in susceptible individuals What is the Treatment for Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder can be successfully treated by medication with or without supportive psychotherapy. Medication Bipolar disorder is usually treated by mood stabilizers such as Lithium and Depakote. Mood stabilizers are used to treat the manic episodes of the illness and to prevent further mood episodes. Antidepressants are used to treat the depressive episodes of the illness. If used alone, however, they can sometimes cause manic episodes. To prevent this, antidepressants are usually prescribed in combination with a mood stabilizer. There are three different types of anti-depressant medication: Tricyclic, MAOIs and SSRIs. The SSRIs are usually the treatment of choice because they have fewer side effects. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool in coping with Bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy can be conducted individually or in groups. Psychotherapy is usually supportive helping the patient with increased coping skills and education about the disorder. Participation in support groups can also be very helpful in coping with this illness. What to do if you Suffer From Bipolar Disorder? If you think you need help, you have one of these options: Talk to your Primary Care Doctor. Call the HIP Mental Health Center near you. Call the HIP Mental Health Hot Line 1-888-447-2526. Do not feel that you need to get through it on your own. It is time to get help! Realize that Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that requires constant medical care. Follow the treatment guidelines, keep taking medications as prescribed and keep follow up appointments. Learn to recognize the signs of the beginning of either depressed or manic episodes and seek treatment. Be constant and proactive in your treatment. Remember treatment can help but you can make the difference. Educate yourself about this illness. Participate in support groups. Constantly remind yourself: You are not alone! It is not your fault that you suffer from Bipolar Disorder! There is no shame in getting help! Help is available. More than 80% of the people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder get better! Information About Support Groups and Online Support Support groups can be tremendously helpful to people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder. These groups can help in many ways. First, they convey the message that in spite of the feelings evoked by the illness, one is not alone. They give one the unique opportunity to meet and interact with others who suffer from the same illness and learn their ways of coping with it. Finally, they can also provide important information about the illness. Mood Disorders Support Group of New York City (MDSG) - MDSG is a non for profit, self-help organization that serves individuals with mood disorders and their family members. MDSG conducts support groups, discussion meetings, lectures and publishes a newsletter. Contact MDSG: Telephone 212 533-6374 Mail: The Mood Disorders Support Group, P.O. Box 30377 New York, NY 10011 E-mail: info@mdsg.org Web Site: http://www.mdsg.org Bipolar Disorder Online Support Group (BDOSG) - BDOSG is an organization dedicated to providing information and educational resources about Bipolar Disorder on the Internet. Contact BDOSG: E-mail: webmaster@moodswing.org. Web Site: http://www.moodswing.org National Depressive and Manic-depressive Association (NDMDA) - NDMDA is a national organization with 275 chapters. This organization is dedicated to the mutual support and education for people with mood disorders and their families. Contact DBSA: Telephone 800 826-3632 Mail: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance(DBSA) 730 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610 Web Site: http://www.dbsalliance.org Suggested Reading Bipolar disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, by Frances Mark Mondimore M.D. (1999). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN: 0801861187 Win the Battle: The 3-Step Lifesaving Formula to Conquer Depression and Bipolar Disorder, by Bob Olson and Melissa Olson (Contributor). (1999). Worchester, MA: Chandler House Press. ISBN: 1886284318 The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder, by Demitri F. Papolas MD and Janice Papolas. Broadway Books. ISBN: 0767903161 [ back to top ]