As a psychiatric condition and incurable, Bipolar Disorder is often misunderstood and inappropriately associated with insanity and other psychotic behaviors. The social stigma of bipolar disorder rises from the fact the onset of it begins in early adulthood and affects the individual throughout their life. Coupled with relatively high rates of suicide (or attempted) during the depressive phase mistakenly leaves the perception of danger, which further isolates the individual.

Bipolar Disorder has been recognized as far back as perhaps the 2nd century A.D. and eventually labeled as manic-depression in the late 19th century by Emil Krapeplin. Due to the cyclic highs and lows in mood and behavior, those suffering from BD in the past were simply locked away as

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The causes of bipolar disorder have puzzled scientists for some time. Research into the illness has unearthed many theories, but no one has been able to pinpoint the true cause of this malady that affects over two million Americans, with more being diagnosed each year.

The Makeup Of The Brain

Research has indicated that one of the causes of bipolar disorder could be a difference in the makeup of the brain in those who suffer from the illness. Apparently in these people, two important areas of the brain contain more of the cells that send signals to other parts of the brain. The theory is that these extra cells could lead to a type of over stimulation of the

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Bipolar Disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a serious disorder of the brain marked by cyclical mood swings, which often disrupt work, school, family, and social life. The symptoms typically begin in a person’s late teens or twenties and affect men and women equally. If left untreated, it can lead to suicide in nearly 20 percent of cases. The illness is often misunderstood and difficult to diagnose because its symptoms may not reappear for as much as a year at a time. Many times, it is initially misdiagnosed especially when hypomania (milder manic episodes) is not recognized. Since mental illnesses cannot be identified by a blood test or a brain scan, diagnosis must be made on the basis of

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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness requiring prolonged treatment. People with this disorder experience extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression.) Numerous advancements in bipolar disorder treatments have been made over the past few decades.

Physicians, however, still do not know exactly what causes the illness. The disorder is now effectively treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Since it is a recurrent illness, lifelong preventive treatment is strongly recommended.

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The importance of an accurate bipolar disorder diagnosis cannot be overstated. If the patient is to be prescribed the right treatment, getting the diagnosis right is vital. For doctors, diagnosing bipolar disorder has always been tricky. If there was a laboratory test or x-ray that could give a definitive bipolar disorder diagnosis, preliminary investigations would provide a much clearer result. This lack of quantifiable analysis is part of the reason for the difficulty in determining whether the symptoms are an indication of mental illness or not.

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