Bi-Polar Disorder in Medical Terms,

Bi-Polar Disorder

In medical terms, bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and depression (i.e., manic depression). One or the other may be predominant at any given time, or one may appear alternately with the other (i.e., in succession), or elements of both may be present simultaneously. Characteristics of the manic phase include "excessive emotional displays, excitement, euphoria (as in drug-related euphoria), boisterousness, an impaired ability to concentrate, a decreased need for sleep and seemingly unbounded energy, often accompanied by illusions of grandeur" (Glanze, 2002, 149), meaning that the affected person may exhibit outward signs that he/she is invincible and/or superior to all other human beings. In contrast, the depressive phase is characterized by apathy and under-activity and is accompanied by "feelings of profound sadness (melancholia), loneliness, guilt and lowered self-esteem" (Glanze, 1999, 149) and has been known to result in suicide.

Exactly how bipolar disorder comes about is not quite clear, yet it has been shown that its causes are multiple and complex and often involve "biologic, psychologic, interpersonal and social and cultural factors" (Glanze, 2002, 150). In the worst of cases, bipolar disorder as a mood disturbance is characterized by exaggerated feelings of sadness, melancholy, dejection, worthlessness, emptiness and hopelessness "that are inappropriate and out of proportion to reality" (Glanze, 2002, 354).

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost six million American adults aged eighteen and older are afflicted with bipolar disorder. As a mental condition, it "typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood," yet a number of persons exhibit symptoms during childhood, while others develop symptoms in middle or late adulthood. If the disorder is not sufficiently diagnosed early on, "people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated" and like other diseases that affect millions of Americans annually, bipolar disorder "is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life" (2007, "Bipolar Disorder," Internet).

Since bipolar disorder has been shown to be a major cause of suicide, a number of U.S. studies have concluded that a person affected by this condition often shows signs and symptoms that may accompany suicidal feelings, such as talking or discussing suicide, having the feeling that "nothing will ever change or get better," that "nothing one does makes any difference" and feelings that the person is "a burden to family and friends." Also, the suicidal person may begin to abuse alcohol or illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine and even heroin and proceed to put his/her affairs in order like "organizing finances or giving away possessions to prepare for one's death." Not surprisingly, such as person may also put him/herself in "harm's way or in situations where there is a danger of being killed" (2007, "Bipolar Disorder," Internet).