Bipolar Disease

Bipolar Disorder

Could you have bipolar disease and not realize that this condition is present in your life? While this is a possibility, please keep in mind that many people toss the term ‘bipolar’ around without even understanding what this type of problem involves. The terms bipolar and manic-depressive are interchangeable and refer to the same type of mental health issues.

It is true that there are many individuals who suffer from bipolar disease, but this is not a condition that can be casually diagnosed. In fact it is a disservice when someone tauntingly suggests that someone is going through a manic phase simply because they are happy and energetic.

There are some people who may incorrectly use the term ‘cycling’? when they notice the quick temper of an individual who has a low frustration threshold or anger management issues. The inference is that their mood swings and anger are related to bipolar issues. Individuals with ADD have often erroneously been assumed to have bipolar issues when this condition is note even present.

Bipolar disease is a very real, and unique, condition that creates rapid shifts in the brain’s normal chemistry. These shifts are very different from those normal mood changes that most people experience. A person with bipolar disease will undergo a roller coaster ride that is composed of emotional ups and downs.

A person who is bipolar will have no control of these mood swings, and do not realize that that their behaviors are far more intense than normal. The highs they experience are a dizzying whirl of euphoric moments and the lows are both depressing and devastating.

With bipolar disease the changes in mood and behavior are usually startling and severe. The symptoms of bipolar disease frequently result in destructive lifestyles, broken relationships, depression, suicide attempts and other woes.

Bipolar symptoms are generally noted at a fairly early age. Up to 50% of affected individuals will exhibit typical symptoms of this condition while in their late teens or during their early twenties. Bipolar disorders can appear for the first time during the middle-aged years, but this is far less common.

About 50% of all bipolar cases are triggered prior to age 25, and some individuals are even diagnosed as children.

Is there a cure for bipolar disease?

It is important that people understand that bipolar disorder is a chronic health problem. While there are no permanent cures for this condition, today there are advances that allow bipolar disorders to be treated, managed and controlled.

If you are looking for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, the psychologists at our centre can assist in exploring underlying issues through therapy. Please visit practitioners’ page to find out more, or call (03) 9820-5577 for an appointment or to make enquiries.

Psychologists at the Centre for Emotion Focused Practice