Mania: extreme happiness, irritability, hyperactivity, little need for sleep, rapid speech due to racing thoughts

Depression: lack of energy or interest, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness

There can be periods of normality that last up to 3 years between manic and depressive episodes

Effects of Bipolar Disorder

Family conflict and finacial struggles, inability to hold down a job or keep a regular schedule, risky/reckless behavior

Etiology of Bipolar Disorder

Genetics: An individual whose parent has bipolar disorder has a 15-25% chance of also suffering from the disorder

Neurochemical: bipolar disorder is associated with dysfunctions in neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin

Environmental: life events may trigger manic/depressive states in those with a genetic predisposition, may be triggered by alcohol and drug abuse

Medication: bipolar can be triggered by medications such as antidepressants. Also caffeine and drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can cause a "high" that resemble a manic state.

Those that are genetically more at-risk for bipolar disorder and consume drugs, alcohol, or excessive amounts of caffeine often have the disorder triggered by said behaviors

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Mood Stabilizers, typically lithium, which is reliable and well-tolerated by most patients. Works best for those that experience EUPHORIC and not ANXIOUS/UNHAPPY mania. Side effects include thyroid issues, particularly in women.

Atypical Antipsychotics: Abilify, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon, Cloazril, Symbyax. All have helpful mood-stabilizing properties. Side effects include drowsiness and SIGNIFICANT weight gain.

Etiology: There have been physical differences in the brains of those people with depression. A popular cause is thought to be chemical imbalances in the brain. Research concludes that major depression runs in the family and can be caused by stressful events in life, especially drug and alcohol abuse.

Therapy: Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, pharmacological therapy with anti-depressants for example Prozac, Zoloft or a combination of both. There is also electroconvulsive therapy where electric shocks to the brain can alter the chemistry of the brain , and thus mood. Electroconvulsive therapy is only used to treat those who have not reponded to all other forms of therapy(drugs, psychotherapy)

- Major depressive states can occur,but does not have to for this certian diagnosis

Bipolar 2: Experience one or more major depressive states

- there has never been a full manic episode

- Bipolar 2 is a less severe disorder then Bipolar 1 so people with Bipolar 2 can still have social interaction and does not have to go through hospitalization