Dr Raju is a Specialist Registrar in Older Peoples’ Services at Knowsley


Dr keerthy Raju talks all about bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.



What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental health problem which affects males and females equally, and approximately one in every 100 people. It usually begins in teenage years or early adolescence. People who have it may experience extreme mood swings - either extreme sadness or ‘depression’ or excited behaviour known as ‘mania’. In between these episodes, they may live well for a long time. Early diagnosis with changes to your lifestyle is the key to coping with this condition.

Why me?


We don’t understand this well. Some research suggests that bipolar disorder runs in families but this does not mean that you will automatically pass it on to your children. It is thought that an imbalance of some chemicals in the brain may also be present in people with bipolar disorder. It can sometimes be brought on by stressful experiences or physical illness.

What can be done?

Often your friends or family might notice that you are not your usual self even if you don’t. They may encourage you to see your doctor who will be able to help and refer you on to our Trust. We can then offer you a range of treatment options including medications to help to balance your moods.

Self-management and talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural therapy and counselling can also be used to help recovery. Self-management will help you to recognise the signs that your mood is swinging out of control so you can get help early. A mood diary can be helpful in identifying the things in your life that help you - and those that don’t.

Things you might feel


This will depend on the type of mood swing you experience.


Mania

Extremely happy
Extremely irritable and critical of others
Fast speech
Impulsive decision-making and increased risk-taking behavior
Overspending
Racing thoughts
Excessive energy
Reduced sleep and appetite
In appropriate sexual behavior
Believing to have special powers or being on a special mission.


Depression

Feeling Low
Loss of enjoyment and interest
Feeling guilty, worthless
Poor motivation and concentration
Sleeping problems
Feeling tired
Poor appetite and weight-loss
Thoughts of harming themselves
Avoiding social contact




Did you know that Stephen Fry, the 'face' of the Trust's 'Sticks and Stones' campaign, has Bipolar Disorder




Useful Contact Numbers


Bipolar UK - 020 7931 6480 / www.mdf.org.uk
Mind - 0300 123 3393 / www.mind.org.uk
The STEADY project - www.steady.org.uk. A self-management training program for young people (aged 18-25) with bipolar disorder.

Comments

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Irwin.christine1@gmail.com

Posted on: 13/07/2012 02:09:57

Think this sums the condition up in a way that even my mum will understand, thank you.

Christine.

Posted on: 13/07/2012 02:13:48

This sums it up in a way that even my mum will understand, thank you