Bipolar Disorder affects approximately 6 million people in the United States. Those diagnosed with this disorder experience “extreme” highs and lows.  A bipolar high is characterized and may include the following signs and symptoms:  Extreme optimism, euphoria, spending sprees, inflated self-esteem, aggressive behavior, poor sleep patterns, easily distracted, poor concentration, drug abuse, risky behavior, agitation, racing thoughts, rapid speech, increased sexual drive.  While the lows may/may not be characterized by the following symptoms:   Guilt, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, appetite problems, suicidal thoughts or behavior, sleep problems, irritability, sleep problems, lose interests in daily activities, chronic pain without known cause.  The following terminology with this diagnosis may be used, such as, “manic-depressive psychosis,” characterized by excessive happiness and/or melancholic feelings of dejection or deep depression (melancholy).  Bipolar episodes become more frequent with age and can display both mania and depression simultaneously in what is called “mixed state.”  The term psychosis means complete or partial withdrawal from reality with, or without organic damage to the brain.

There are varying degrees, or types of Bipolar Disorders.  Studies show that the characteristic disorders become more prominent and frequent between the ages of 25-40.  Children and teens with the disorder are usually explained away as infrequent characteristics of growing pains, or maturity issues.  Left untreated the disorder benefactor can create much disruption of family, finances, job loss, marital problems, inability to function in society; also leading many victims to suicide.  Those that tend to self treat do so with alcohol and other drugs where addiction complicates matters.  The primary prescription for Bipolar disorder is through pharmacological intervention medications.  Mania and depression is primarily treated through Lithium (common mood stabilizer).  If Lithium is rejected then anticonvulsants are used.   Episodes of mania or manic behavior are also treated with antipsychotics or Benzodiazepines, thereafter mood stabilizers are used.  Other common medications: Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin.

Recommendations,

If you are 21 to 65 years of age and suffer from Bipolar disorder visit Allsup www.allsup.com for a free evaluation and disability info, or call 800-279-4357.  Also visit www.psychcentral.com, or call 978-992-0008 for more disability and mental health information. I’m not an advocate for either site; I simply have identified two key resources that will steer you in the right direction for help.  These sites offer information on how to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Medicare benefits and so much more.  They’ve helped thousands of people with bipolar disorders to get back on their feet to include income while working towards independent living.

Issue:“Testicular Cancer”  Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2009 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.org,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.