What Exactly Is the Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and Other Mental Disorders?

The mental disorder called bipolar disorder is an illness wherein the afflicted individual experiences mood swings and extreme emotions. He or she will have alternating episodes of mania and depression. Because of this, the affected individual cannot function normally in normal working hours. In some cases, this disorder can be quite severe that the normal functioning of an individual’s life is disrupted. A bipolar disorder patient can even lose his or her job.

A person suffering from bipolar disorder must seek help immediately because the condition is life-threatening. This disorder, left untreated, can eventually claim the life of the individual. For that reason, it is crucial that the bipolar disorder patient seek treatment as soon as possible. It is crucial that he or she get treated because untreated, the disorder can worsen.

Bipolar disorder is not a new mental disorder. In fact, it has been around for a long time. It was first identified about 40 years ago by the psychiatrist Dr. George Macy. His research showed that the disorder is inherited and that genetic factors play a significant role in its development. The symptoms of the bipolar disorder do not usually appear until the age of 35.

As mentioned, the bipolar disorder is actually not a new mental disorder. It has actually been around for decades and was not known as bipolar until recent years. Although there are those who dispute the idea that bipolar disorder is a mental disorder, the facts simply do not lie. After all, those who suffer from it can testify that they experience mood swings and have had cases of suicide attempts as well.

There are various types of treatments available for bipolar disorder. But before a person can opt for any of these, he or she should know what kind of bipolar disorder he or she has. Bipolar is categorized as either type of manic-depressive illness or as a mixed condition. But whichever the case, one must seek treatment immediately.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of extremely elevated or depressed moods. In severe cases, the person may kill himself or herself or others. In order to help detect whether a person is suffering from bipolar disorder, he or she must undergo several tests like electrocardiogram, blood tests, urine tests and interviews. Once the condition is diagnosed, treatment commences. However, it must be understood that a proper treatment program must be started even before any improvement is noted in the patient’s mental condition.

People with this disorder can have violent outbursts. They can either do these acts alone or in groups. When a person is suffering from bipolar disorder, he or she may feel joyous and irritated all the time but will show no outward signs of these mood changes. If this happens, it may lead someone to conclude that he or she is suffering from a mental disorder. Thus, it is important to pay special attention to the patient while he or she is undergoing a manic or depressive episode.

As mentioned above, this disorder must be properly diagnosed as there are chances that the condition is not correctly understood. The earlier it is detected, the better for the patient. People with this disorder must undergo a proper treatment program. If they don’t, it can seriously damage their lives. It’s therefore important that regular checkups are done and treatment should be started as soon as possible.

There are several ways in which people suffering from bipolar disorder can get better. The first and foremost thing to do is to identify the cause of the problem. Once the cause is identified, the patient will be able to find the right kind of treatment program. Apart from this, it is essential to understand the difference between normal mental disorders and bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by phases of abnormally high and lows in the patient’s mood. These alternating extreme are usually caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. To treat this disorder, the first thing the doctor will want to do is to stabilize the chemical levels in the brain through medication. Stabilizing the brain will allow the patient to think normally again. Once stabilized, treatment can then commence.

In spite of the fact that the causes and treatments for bipolar disorder differ, both of them are highly effective in the long run. This is the reason why patients who have experienced this disorder have been known to lead very normal, fulfilling lives. When you suffer from this mental disorder, it is important to seek help immediately. Visit a specialist today and get on the right track towards recovery. Remember that the sooner you seek treatment, the better it is for you.