Bipolar Disorder - New Orleans Psychiatry

Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes serious changes in mood. This condition is also called manic depression. Bipolar disorder is more than just normal mood swings. The changes in mood are pronounced and cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of a person’s life, like work and relationships. These mood disturbances usually occur in episodes that begin between teen years and the mid-20s, but the symptoms typically persist for a lifetime.

The mood episodes are often interspersed with periods of feeling “normal”. Going without adequate treatment for long periods of time can make a person with bipolar disorder more susceptible to more frequent mood episodes. It’s not known what exactly causes bipolar disorder, but what is known is that the illness can sometimes run in families.

Manic/Mania Symptoms (Feeling Up)
Feeling extremely happy, like nothing can make you sad
Feeling a special connection with famous people, leaders, or even God
Hyperactivity and trouble sitting still
Risky behavior such as careless driving
Sexual activity that isn’t “usual” for you
Unable to control how quickly you think or speak
Changing discussion topics quickly
Feeling like you don’t need to sleep as much
Sudden feelings of rage or inability
Depression Symptoms (Feeling Down)
Loss of interest in doing things you enjoyed before
Severe feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthless
Constantly feeling tired or having a lack of energy
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Trouble concentrating and focusing
Noticeable change in eating habits (weight gain or loss)
Thinking about death or suicide

Bipolar disorder can have a serious impact on your life, and relationships with other people. It can affect your work life, home life, family, and how you interact socially with other people. But if this condition is diagnosed and treated properly, the symptoms may be reduced.

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