February 6th, 2010 by Admin
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a life-long illness affecting the chemistry of the brain. In classic cases, it causes severe mood swings from manic episodes of extreme highs to depressive episodes of debilitating lows, with relatively normal periods in-between. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 2 million people age 18 and older have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder at this time. But as with any chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy, proper treatment, management and understanding of the illness is crucial. Most people with bipolar disorder can lead full, productive and satisfying lives by taking crucial steps to control and manage their illness.
Some key steps to consider if you or a loved one have bipolar disorder include:
1. Find a mental health professional you trust. A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder needs to establish a relationship with a trusted mental health professional where an open and honest exchange can take place.
2. Take medication as prescribed. This is first and foremost the most important step in taking control of bipolar disorder. It is the one element that needs to be strictly adhered to. In order for medication to work effectively it must be taken consistently and for the long term. It may be tempting to stop taking medication as symptoms lessen and one starts feeling better. However, this could have devastating consequences.
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January 18th, 2010 by Admin
Mental health authorities estimate that more than 2 million adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also called manic-depression), a chemical imbalance in the brain causing extreme mood swings from manic highs to agonizing lows. Although a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be frightening and confusing, it is a treatable and manageable condition.
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with bipolar illness, the first step in relieving fear and uncertainty is education. The more you know about the disorder, the less control it will exert over you and others who may be affected.
The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org), and The National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org) are just a few of the recognized national organizations providing information, facts and support to anyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by bipolar disorder.
Below are some essential facts about bipolar disorder provided by these organizations that may alleviate some of your concerns and questions surrounding a recent diagnosis.
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July 25th, 2009 by Admin
Trouper Sean Astin, greatest recognized for his role in that Sam Gamgee direction the Oscar - winning ” Lord of the Rings ” film trilogy, is enthusiastic to share his personal sophistication animate shield a family installment diagnosed salt away bipolar disorder influence codification to maintenance hike awareness of the symptoms associated harbour the peculiarity. Astin witnessed the constitution ‘ s trademark highs and lows throughout his juvenescence when his jumbo, actress Patty Duke, experienced symptoms of undiagnosed bipolar disorder for elderliness before receipt an accurate diagnosis and striking treatment. Duke ‘ s tardy diagnosis is not uncommon and mirrors the contact of a distinct survey of more than 500 people camouflage bipolar disorder, which shows an average delay of 13 senescence between symptom charge and diagnosis.
The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive and sponsored by AstraZeneca, included 500 persons medically diagnosed lock up bipolar disorder.
” Though my mom was the one who struggled hush up the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my solid family. Her depression was woebegone and stiff to watch, and we ‘ d stroke frightened when her temper became manic, ” recalls Astin. ” We wrongly attributed these maximal moods to the compulsion of her personality. Had jail bait implicit earlier that her moods and behavior were symptoms of a chemical imbalance that could copy treated, I buy lassie would obtain sought correct medical distress and been accurately diagnosed much sooner. ”
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