Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder used to be called manic-depressive disease. A person with this problem has emotional ups and downs, as most people do, but their mood swings are significantly more pronounced in both the highs and lows than is considered normal. They go from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad or hopeless, with normal periods in between. There are also severe changes in energy and behavior.

The disorder appears to be psychological to the sufferer but is actually biological in origin with obvious psychological manifestations. The body has an inability to break down norepinephrine due to a deficiency in an enzyme called COMT. If the mood swings are daily, it is possible that the person has food allergies or hypoglycemia.

There are a few signs and symptoms to look for in each of the two phases. In manic phases or episodes, the individual has increased energy, is restless, and has a euphoric mood. They may exhibit extreme irritability, jump from idea to another, require little sleep, and exhibit poor judgment. They may go on spending sprees, show an increased sexual drive or aggressive behavior, and have delusions of unrealistic abilities and powers.

In the depressive phase, the individual has, in addition to obvious depression, anxiety, loss of sexual interest, decreased energy, fatigue, pessimism, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts or even attempts of suicide.

Some of the main-stream treatments include drug therapy. Lithium, Depakote, and Neurontin, which are antidepressants and anticonvulsants, are a few pharmaceuticals used, but many people are opting for alternative therapy route as well. One of the reasons for this is the reported suicide rate among teens who have taken antiseizure drugs.