Bipolar Mood Disorder

What is Bipolar Mood Disorder?

Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs. Some people are more moody - they have bigger and more frequent ups and downs than others. For people with Bipolar Mood Disorder, mood swings become extreme. They swing from peaks of tremendous elation and excitement to terrible pits of despair and sadness. This used to be called "manic depression", or, more properly, Manic Depressive Illness. In Australia, approximately two out of every hundred people are affected. Bipolar Disorder is more common in people in their twenties.

Some people suffering from Bipolar Disorder do not experience the depressed episodes, although this is rare.

Mania

Symptom Checklist

(Symptoms will vary from person to person)

• Elevated moods – feeling very happy and having lots of energy
• Increased energy
• Not needing to sleep
• Irritability and anger
• Rapid thinking and speech
• Lack of control. For example, buying things one doesn't need, having sex with lots of people
• Unrealistic plans/ideas
• Lack of insight - not being aware that one's behaviour is out of control or extreme

Depression

Symptom Checklist

• Loss of interest in most things
• Withdrawal
• Avoidance of simple tasks
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Inability to sleep
• Feeling tired all the time
• Inability to concentrate
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Feeling that life is not worth living

Normal Moods

People suffering from Bipolar Mood Disorder can still have normal moods. When the moods become extreme a person will need to see a doctor.

What causes Bipolar Mood Disorder?

Genetic Factors

Children with parents who have Bipolar Mood Disorder are more likely than others to suffer from Bipolar. Research indicates that there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the illness if there is a family history.

Biochemical Factors

Both Mania and Depression can be linked to having chemical changes in the brain.

Psychological Factors

Stress, negative experiences and high anxiety may increase the likelihood of suffering from either Mania or Depression.

Mania is more likely to occur in spring. Depression is more likely to occur in winter. Reasons for this are being explored.

Treatments of Bipolar Mood Disorder

The most common drug therapy is a prescription for an antidepressant. They help improve sleep, concentration, energy and contribute to a better mood and less anxiety. Antidepressants are not addictive and are relatively safe and effective.

There are a range of psychological therapies for depression, aimed at helping the person decrease anxiety, stop drug/alcohol use, deal with stresses and learn to cope better.

Part of the treatment may involve helping the person avoid family conflicts and develop ways of using their family as a means of support and encouragement.

When in the mania phase people often do not seek treatment. Sometimes they may have to be admitted to hospital. Various medications are used to stabilise the person’s mood.

To reduce the chance of a manic episode, the drug Lithium is sometimes prescribed. Lithium controls mood swings and reduces the frequency and severity of the depression and mania stages.

For further information about any mental health issue, contact:

• Your regular medical practitioner.

• Your local community health centre.

• National Depression Awareness Campaign Mental Health Foundation of Australia Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
  270 Church Street,
  Richmond 3121
  Tel: (03) 9427 0407
  
  

• ARAFEMI - Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally ill.
  615 Camberwell Road,
  CAMBERWELL 3124
  Tel: (03) 9889 1777
  Fax: (03) 98892878
  
  

• Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)
  270 Church Street,
  Richmond 3121
  Tel: (03) 9427 0406
  
  

• AICAFMHA - Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health
  Tel: (08) 8132 0786
  Email: secretary@aicfmha.net.au

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