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| What Is A Bipolar Disorder? |
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 A good friend will talk to a friend showing these symptoms. Alexa cradled the phone against her ear and sighed. "Look, all
I know is that Jamie's been really weird lately. A couple months ago she could hardly drag herself to school and now she's running around like the Road Runner cartoon. What's with her?" Alexa listened for a minute, then continued. "Yeah, you're right. It's like Jamie has a permanent caffeine fix. She never stops talking, and then she gets so crabby! Did you hear her with Michael? But then she's off and running again. And did you see all that stuff she got at the mall? I know she can't pay for it. Jamie told me she doesn't even know why she bought so much." Alexa hung up with a worried frown. Should she talk to her dad about Jamie? Say something to Jamie's mom? Go talk to her guidance counselor at school? If Jamie sat still long enough, maybe she could talk things over with her. Or maybe she should just ignore Jamie's behavior altogether. I mean, it's not like she's sick or anything, Alexa thought. Understanding Depressive Disorders Alexa's right to be concerned about her friend because Jamie actually is sick. She has a serious medical condition called a depressive disorder, which affects the way the brain functions. Depressive disorders are widespread. In the United States alone, it's estimated that more than 17.4 million adults have a depressive disorder each year. That works out to about one out of every seven people, so there's a good chance that you or someone you know will have to deal with this problem. Out of that total number of people with depressive disorders, it's thought that about 1% to 2% have bipolar disorder. Jamie is part of this small group. What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder goes by many names: manic depression, manic-depressive disorder, manic-depressive illness, bipolar mood disorder, and bipolar affective disorder are other medical terms for this condition. Mental health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists use a manual called the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to determine which type of bipolar disorder a person has. The disorder is classified into four types - Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. These names were determined because symptoms of the disorder vary in severity and presentation in different people. By determining which type a person has, a doctor can tailor treatment to her specific needs. Bipolar disorder affects men and women about equally. Doctors now realize that children can have bipolar disorder, as well as teens and adults. For many people, the first symptoms show up in their early 20s. Recent research suggests that kids and teens with bipolar disorder don't always have the same behavioral patterns that are often seen in adults. For example, kids who have bipolar disorder may experience particularly rapid mood changes and may have other mood-related symptoms listed below, such as irritability and high levels of anxiety, but they may not display other symptoms that are more commonly seen in adults. Alcohol and drug abuse are often involved in bipolar disorder. Some teens try to "treat" their condition this way, often with disastrous results. Although getting high may make a teen feel better temporarily, alcohol and drugs can make the symptoms of bipolar disorder worse, as well as making diagnosis very difficult. Because brain function is involved, the ways people with bipolar disorder think, act, and feel are all affected. This can make it especially difficult for other people to understand this condition. It can be incredibly frustrating if other people act as though the teen should just "snap out of it," as if a person who is sick can become well simply by wanting to. This disorder isn't a sign of weakness or a character flaw, but a serious medical condition that requires treatment, just like any other condition. What Are the Signs and Symptoms? Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of mania (highs) and depression (lows). These aren't the normal periods of happiness and sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. Instead, the episodes are intense or severe mood swings, like a pendulum that keeps arcing higher and higher. Symptoms of mania include:
Symptoms of depression include:
Episodes of mania or depression usually last for weeks or months,
although they can be much shorter in length. They may happen irregularly and follow an unpredictable pattern. Or episodes may be linked, with a manic episode always following depression, or vice versa. Sometimes episodes have a seasonal pattern. Mania in the spring, for example, may be followed by depression in the winter. Between episodes, a person usually returns to normal (or near -normal) functioning. It can happen, though, that there is little or no "break period" between these cycles. These mood swing cycles can fluctuate slowly or rapidly, with rapid cycling much more
common in women. Jamie is in the midst of a manic episode. What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Doctors and scientists don't know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, but think that biochemical, genetic, and environmental factors may all be involved. It's believed this condition results from imbalances of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Their function is to send messages between the nerve cells and to the muscles. However, if the neurotransmitters aren't in balance, the brain's mood-regulating system won't work the way it should. Genetics also play a role in bipolar disorder, which means that some people may have a genetic predisposition to this condition. For example, if a close relative has bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is higher than in the general population. (This doesn't mean, though, that you will develop it!) Researchers are now working on identifying the gene or genes involved in bipolar disorder.
Environmental factors may also be involved. For some teens, stresses such as a death in the family, their parents' divorce, or other traumatic events could trigger a first episode of mania or depression. Sometimes, going through the changes of puberty can set off an episode. In girls, symptoms can be tied to their monthly menstrual cycle. How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed? The good news is that most people with bipolar disorder can be helped. A fulfilling, productive life is quite possible - but the disorder must first be properly diagnosed. Sadly, many people
with bipolar disorder are never diagnosed, or are diagnosed
improperly. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the disorder
can become worse. Possible results could be placement in a
psychiatric hospital or residential treatment center, sentencing
in the juvenile justice system, drug abuse, accidents, and suicide.
For Jamie to be diagnosed, she'll need to see a psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation. This involves giving the doctor a thorough history of past and present experiences. Although a
lot of this information will come from Jamie, family members and
friends can also provide helpful insights. The doctor will also want
Jamie to have a medical exam, to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be difficult. As yet, there aren't any laboratory tests like a brain scan or blood test that will diagnose this condition. In teens, bipolar disorder can be mistaken for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. That's why a complete, detailed history is so important. How Do Doctors Treat It? Once Jamie is diagnosed, she and her family will need to understand that although there's no cure for bipolar disorder, treatment can help stabilize her moods and help her manage and control her symptoms. Like other teens with chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy), Jamie will need to work closely with her doctor and with other medical professionals who specialize in treating these mental health problems. This team, together with the teen, develops what is called a treatment plan. Jamie will probably receive medication, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, from a psychiatrist or other medical doctor. A
psychologist or other type of counselor will provide counseling or psychotherapy for Jamie and her family. Her symptoms will be closely watched, and Jamie and her family will be educated about her condition. Reducing stress, eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and
participating in a support network such as a local support group for people with bipolar disorder are also important parts of her plan.
Dealing With Bipolar Disorder Teens normally face ups and downs with school, family, work, and friends. Dealing with bipolar disorder at the same time is a very difficult challenge. Jamie's cooperation in developing and following her treatment plan will make all the difference - taking her medications as prescribed, reporting
any changes in how she feels or functions, and participating in therapy
will be among her key issues. Finding a support group can also be a
tremendous help.
The good news is that with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, Jamie can look forward to enjoying her teen years - and beyond.
Source:
KidsHealth www.KidsHealth.com is a project of The Nemours Foundation which is
dedicated to improving the health and spirit of children. Today, as part of its
continuing mission, the Foundation supports the operation of a number of renowned
children's health facilities throughout the nation, including the Alfred I. duPont
Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Nemours Children's Clinics
throughout Florida. Visit The Nemours Foundation to find out more about them and
its health facilities for children http://www.nemours.org/no/ Date reviewed: April 2001 |
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