Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition in which patients exhibit episodes of highly abnormal mood swings which make them either very happy or completely depressed. The term bipolar also indicates presence of two types of problems i.e. mania and depression. For this reason bipolar is also called manic depressive disorder. According to the definitions found in DSM III and IV suggest that for a person to qualify as manic depressive, he must exhibit manic episodes for at least one week. (Torrey, p.xvi) the mood swings can be very abrupt and patients may swing from a high to extreme lows in minutes. The maniac phases are normally characterized by agitation, less sleep, elevated sense of self-esteem and hyperactivity. It is mostly believed to have genetic causes but some environmental factors can also cause bipolar in some patients. Even those with genetic tendency to develop bipolar may not always exhibit full blown case of this disorder because in most patients, some factors can trigger the onset of this condition. These triggers can include stress, trauma, personality and upbringing.

Men are found to be slightly less susceptible to the development of bipolar compared to women but this difference is minute and women were also significantly older at the first onset of depression symptoms. (Maj, p. 360)

While bipolar can be treated with psychiatric intervention, when the disorder lasts, it can have a debilitating effect on a person's social life. Available treatments can control the symptoms and can alter brain chemistry in patients to make them less susceptible to the debilitating effects of this disorder. For those who suffer from this disorder, daily life can be a challenge as they struggle with their relationships, their jobs and every aspect of their everyday life. Fortunately research has led to many treatments, psychiatric interventions and therapies which have had significant success in some patients.

REFERENCES

Mario Maj (Editor), Hagop S. Akiskal (Editor), Prof. Juan Jose Lopez-Ibor (Editor), Bipolar Disorders. Wiley; 1st edition (May 15, 2002)

Lana R. Castle, Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression. Da Capo Press (January 2003)

E. Fuller Torrey M.D. Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers. Basic Books (March 1, 2005)

Castle, p. 103