What it is: Mood swings from extremely elevated (happy) to severely depressed. Each phase may last up to three months individually, or a person might feel both extremes at once. Medically known as bipolar mood disorder, it usually starts in adult life before the age of 35. It may start in adolescence or earlier. People whose parents have it are more likely to develop it themselves.
Symptoms: (of the manic stage)
severe mood changes; excessively good, happy, or irritable
unrealistically high self-esteem, often with grandiose delusions of a close connection to God or celebrities
hyperactivity; talking quickly, jumping from one topic to another without appropriate connections, refusal to allow interruptions, making plans to do too many things at once; spending large amounts of money
inability to concentrate
decreased need for sleep
sudden irritability
high risk-taking behavior, such as sexual promiscuity or reckless driving
Symptoms: (of the depressive stage)
depression, indifference, feelings of sadness and worthlessness, unexplained crying spells
loss of pleasure from previously enjoyed activities
frequent complaints of physical ailments, aches, and pains
low energy
loss of memory or concentration
thoughts of suicide or death
major changes in diet or sleep patterns
Treatment: With education, medicine, and therapy, this is one of the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. The patient and family are educated about the disease, and sometimes family therapy is warranted. Medicine such as lithium and other mood-stabilizing drugs can reduce the number and severity of the manic episodes and help prevent depression. Use of lithium must be carefully monitored to prevent serious adverse side effects. Psychotherapy may help the patient adapt to stress and understand herself better, decreasing the likelihood of attacks.
