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Bipolar 1
Bipolar 1, is a mental ailment that is most commonly known as 'manic-depressive disorder'. A person with bipolar 1 may exhibit manic episodes, which may be described as a life disrupting behavior brought about by abnormal levels of elation. Aside from elevated moods, patients who have bipolar 1 may also experience feelings of depression from time to time. What other symptoms may result from having bipolar 1?
Many patients with bipolar 1 experience cycles of manic episodes and depression. This may be the reason why people with bipolar 1 may be referred to as 'manic depressive'. Most manic depressive people however may still be able to lead normal lives despite being depressed at one time, then being elated at another.
Bipolar 1 more often than not develops during the teenage years. It has also been observed that having a first degree relative who has the said mental condition makes a person more prone to having the disorder. Below are the usual symptoms of bipolar 1 that may be exhibited by the patients:
I. Manic Episode
During the manic stage, a person who has bipolar 1 may talk rapidly, overspend, may be hyperactive, may be sexually aggressive, etc. Severe mania however, may cause hallucinations thus resulting to being unrealistic. Manic episodes, when left untreated, may even last up to a few years.
II. Episode of Depression
Immediately following the manic stage in bipolar 1, depression may cause the patients to feel guilty, lose their appetites, feel useless, and even think of suicide. Just like mania, the symptoms of depression may last up to several years if left untreated.
There are however several treatments for bipolar 1 which may help reduce or even cure the symptoms. Medications such as mood stabilizers may be given to control mania. Examples of mood stabilizers include Depakote, Topamax, etc. For treating depression in people with bipolar 1, anti depressants such as Paxil, Prosac, etc. may be given. Therapies may also be used to treat the symptoms of bipolar 1 such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, among others. People who have very grave bipolar 1 symptoms may have to take medications continuously as a form of prevention.
