Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings, depression and mania.

Depression is characterized by feelings of:

• Hopelessness

• Low energy

• Reduced interest in everyday activities

• Suicidal tendencies.

Mania is characterized by:

• Excess activity to the point of exhaustion

• Euphoria

• Aggressiveness.

Two distinct areas of the brain control mood regulation.

A dysfunction of nerves in these regions is associated with bipolar disorder.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that enable nerves to pass signals to each other and are also found to be involved in bipolar disease.

There is also a strong evidence that bipolar disorder is inherited within families.

Treatments for Bipolar disorder include :

• Mood stabilizing agents like lithium, carbamazapine, valproate and others

• Anti-depressants

• Other medications

• Non-medication therapies like psychotherapy and counseling