Bipolar Disorder- The Serious Illness, Which Is More Common Than You Think

This serious illness, which is more common than you may think, can be controlled with the right treatment

Bipolar disorder (BPD), previously called manic depression, is a mood disorder that can trigger severe depression or mania (extreme elation/ hyperactivity), which may alternate. Sufferers may have ‘normal’ gaps between these phases.

BPD affects at least one in 100 people and usually first appears between the late teens and midlife. The cause isn’t known but it may be linked to chemical disturbances in brain cells, affect more than one family member or be triggered by stressful life events or illness.

Taking drugs or drug withdrawal can produce similar symptoms.

Symptoms

Depressive phases are like ‘ordinary’ depression – persistent low mood, irritability, anxiety and disturbed sleep or waking in the small hours. You may find it hard to motivate yourself, or to concentrate or make decisions; lose-interest in other people, food and/or sex, and feel hopeless, despairing, worthless, or you may even consider suicide.