Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that involves extreme mood swings from times of euphoria and high energy to periods of sadness and low energy. There may also be times of emotional stability in between these changes.
Although it is not known exactly what causes it, some studies suggest that there is a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms if you are in a period of depression will manifest as a loss of self-esteem, discouragement, fatigue, sluggishness, insomnia, concentration problems, loss of appetite, there may be thoughts of death and or suicide. If in a period of mania will experience a state of euphoria or irritability, high self-esteem, false beliefs of special abilities, accelerated thinking, little need for hours of sleep, increased sexual desire and there may be behavioral disturbances (reckless behaviors, excessive spending).
The diagnosis is made by clinical interview and assessment by specialists, having ruled out other causes.
It is treated using a both pharmacological and psychological approach.
- Trisha Suppes, Victoria E Cosgrove. Bipolar disorder in adults: Clinical features. UpToDate. Jan 04, 2016.
- Trisha Suppes, Victoria E Cosgrove. Bipolar disorder in adults: Assessment and diagnosis. UpToDate. Jun 20, 2016.
- Robert M Post. Bipolar disorder in adults: Choosing maintenance treatment. UpToDate. Aug 29, 2016.
- Jeffrey Stovall. Bipolar disorder in adults: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. UpToDate. Mar 14, 2016.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA 2013.
- Victor I. Reus. Trastornos mentales. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2717:2719.
