Bipolar disorder can sometimes be called manic depression. With highs and lows that sometimes tend to worsen over time
if left untreated. Many doctors are unsure what causes this disorder but some say that it is hereditary. Bipolar disorder can be characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The signs and
symptoms may vary depending on the person and how long the illness was left untreated. The illness can range from mild conditions to sever conditions, and sometimes there may be a normal period. Some signs and symptoms of the manic phase are feelings of extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem, Rapid speech, racing thoughts, poor judgment, and difficulty sleeping ect. In the depressive phase the signs and symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, anxity, guilt, or hopelessness, disturbance in sleep, irritability ect. With the proper medication and therapy it can be a very manageable illness.
Medications for this disorder are Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is frequently used. In some cases doctors subscribe antidepressants or antipsychotic medications, anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid (depakene), divalproxen (depakote) and lamotrigine (lamictal) are also used for mood regulation. Topiramate (topamax), another anti-seizure medication is also used to stabilized the mood. In my opinion the impact that bipolar disorder, has on society is you’re liable to be around anyone and they appear to be fine to you but have bipolar disorder or another disorder that they might not realize they have. If left untreated for lengthily amount of time a severe episode may occur where hospitalization may be needed.