Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which is classified with the "mood disorders". Mood disorders also include clinical depression and major depressive disorder. In the past, bipolar disorder was referred to as "manic-depression"
The individual with bipolar disorder fluctuates experiencing extreme, sometimes suicidal depression with episodes of mania. A manic episode is a distinct period in which the indivudual will experience abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable mood. Common symptoms of mania include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, increased speech, racing thoughts, or participation in pleasurable, high-risk activities. Occasionaly these symptoms may be severe enought to warrant hospitalization
One of the most troublesome issues in treating bipolar disorder is the person's medication compliance. Many individuals with bipolar disorder enjoy some of the aspects of mania; the increased creativity and productivity, and high, euphoric mood are sometime quite alluring to clients experiencing a hypomanic or manic state. It is not uncommon to see them try to achieve these states through medication noncompliance or drug and alcohol abuse. On the positive side, bipolar people are usually socially adept, intelligent, cogent, and articulate. In fact many bipolar individuals are educated, productive, and even have degrees.
Drug and alcohol abuse
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Pharmacological Agents
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