Bipolar Depression

Posted by Rinda on 22/05/2009

Understanding the Syndromes of Bipolar Depression

Executive Summary About Bipolar Depression by Navneet Brar; David Chandler; Abhishek Agarwal

Bipolar depression is the term used to refer to the disorder characterized by major swings in a person’s mood. At one moment he may feel elated and confident, and shortly afterward the feeling abruptly changes to one of defeat and failure. The experience is similar to those occasions when one’s feelings of well-being and happiness turn sour at a sudden turn of events or circumstances. The difference is that in bipolar depression, these mood swings occur regularly, sometimes even occurring daily, and without any rhyme, reason or regard to circumstance.

Bipolar depression, previously known as Manic Depression or Bipolar Manic Depression, is a chronic episodic illness associated with behavioral fluctuations. This depression is a brain disorder. The main characteristics of bipolar depression are episodes of serious mania and depression. The patient is normally found with mood swings right from high and irritable to sad and hopeless, getting back to normal mood in between.

The distinguishing characteristic of bipolar depression, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar depression has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, which is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar depression.

Bipolar depression typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. Bipolar depression is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have bipolar depression may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.

Bipolar depression can also be brought about through substance abuse. A diagnosis of bipolar depression has become very common among drug users and researchers are studying the seeming relation between drug abuse and the bipolar or the manic depression. It is observed that once a person is diagnosed with this ailment due to drug abuse, it is common that patients have to deal with it through the rest of his life.

Treatment for Bipolar Depression

Effective treatment is available for bipolar depression. Without treatment, marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide may result from the chronic, episodic mood swings. The most significant treatment issue is noncompliance with treatment. Most individuals with bipolar depression do not perceive their manic episodes as needing treatment, and they resist entering treatment. In fact, most people report feeling very good during the beginning of a manic episode, and do not want it to stop. This is a serious judgment problem. As the manic episode progresses, concentration becomes difficult, thinking becomes more grandiose, and problems develop. Unfortunately, the risk taking behavior usually results in significant painful consequences such as loss of a job or a relationship, running up excessive debts, or getting into legal difficulties. Many individuals with bipolar depression abuse drugs or alcohol during manic episodes, and some of these develop secondary substance abuse problems. Therefore, it is advisable to treat Bipolar Depression at its early stage.

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