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A quick and easy reference to help understand Bipolar Disorder James Witschner and Marcia Rose
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DELUSION
A false belief based on incorrect inference about external
reality that is firmly sustained, despite what most everyone
else believes and despite questionable and obvious proof or
evidence to the contrary. A fixed false belief regarding yourself
or the world around you with clear evidence to the contrary.
DEPRESSION
Depression, like mania, works on different levels, mild depression
(Dysthymia), moderate depression and major depression. In
the beginning there may be a loss of interest and enjoyment
of doing usual activities. One will feel tired and fatigued
and energy levels are reduced with a general feeling of “not
all is well”. None of these symptoms will be present to an
intense degree. Though there will be problems in work and
social activities, a person should be able to function through
them. With moderate depression all these symptoms will increase.
There will be an inability to concentrate and pay attention,
reduced self-esteem and self-confidence; feelings of guilt
and unworthiness, bleak and pessimistic views of the future
and disturbed sleep and appetite. Suicidal thoughts begin
to appear. A person starts to withdraw. Social activities
and work start to become intolerable. Many of the symptoms
also include: low self-esteem and self-confidence, negativity,
indecisiveness and loss of interest in activities. Concentrating
is difficult, decision making impaired, social withdrawal,
fatigue, loss of sexual interest, inability to feel pleasure,
pessimism, indifference, changes in appetite and sleep patterns,
feelings of guilt/worthlessness, prolonged sadness, unexplained
crying spells, irritability, anger, anxiety and agitation.
Major depression causes despair and hopelessness so profound
that the person can lose all interest in life, and is incapable
of feeling pleasure or sexual stimulation. He/she may not
get out of bed or eat for days. In an episode of this nature,
it is very unlikely that the person will be able to continue
with work, social or domestic activities. Hospitalization
is the preferred treatment in these cases. There is no need
to have a severe loss to trigger this kind of depression.
It is a part of the bipolar affective disorder. Beyond the
unbearable misery that must be endured daily, there is a serious
risk of suicide. Major depression in the general population
has about a 15% chance of death by suicide. Depression from
Bipolar disorder itself carries a 20% mortality rate.
DEPAKENE
(valproic acid) Children less than2 years old are more likely
to develop severe liver problems. This medication is used
to treat seizure disorders. It works by restoring the balance
of certain natural substances in the brain.Liver function
tests should be performed before and during treatment. Early
signs of serious liver problems include vomiting, unusual
tiredness, swelling of the face or loss of seizure control
in patients with seizure disorder. Tell your doctor immediately
if you experience stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
and loss of appetite.
DEPAKOTE
(divalproex sodium) This medication has been around for about
10 years. It is primarily used for seizures but, of late,
it is recognized as a good medication for bipolar affective
disorder. How this works is: by increasing the nerve impulse
transmitter (GABA a chemical in the brain) it suppresses the
spread of abnormal electrical discharges. Some of the common
side effects are low platelet counts, nausea, sleepiness,
vertigo, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased or decreased
appetite and rash. Some of the more serious side effects are
a vague feeling of illness or depression, weakness, lethargy,
anorexia, vomiting and death. Liver failure resulting in death
has occurred, usually within the first six months of treatment.
DESYREL
(trazodone hydrochloride) This medication is used for depression,
anxiety and some types of chronic pain. It works by increasing
serotonin in the brain. Some of the side effects are drowsiness,
weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue,
diminished sex drive, painful erections, permanent impotence,
nightmares and irregular heartbeat.
DIAGNOSES Bipolar Affective Disorder is more
common than some would think. It affects about 1% of the population
of the United States. About 2 million people. Though this
illness can strike at any age, the usual onset is in late
adolescence or early adulthood. Depression by itself occurs
in twice as many women as men but in Bipolar Disorder, it
afflicts equal numbers of both men and women. Manic depression
has no social, racial, educational, and financial or nationality
restrictions. It can be a devastating illness to any and all.
The cause of this illness is not known. Most mental health
professionals believe that it is an abnormal brain functioning
and that heredity plays a major role. Close relatives of those
who have bipolar disorder are at a much higher risk of developing
either depression or manic depression. This illness can be
and has been, very difficult to diagnose. Many people suffer
needlessly for years. It is confused with thyroid problems,
hormone disorders, other mental illnesses, personality disorders,
drug addiction, alcohol addiction and so on. From the onset
of the symptoms to diagnoses can average 7 years. Most people
with this illness today are still not diagnosed. There is
no biochemical test for this problem. The real key to diagnosis
is a complete and thorough history of the patient and his
or her family. Severe changes in mood; either mania or depression
that occur at least 4 times in one year is a good criterion
in diagnosing a person. A mania diagnoses would be an abnormally
and persistent elevated, expansive or irritated mood that
should last for at least one week and be severe enough to
disrupt ordinary social activities. In a depressive mood,
a person can feel low self-esteem and be very negative and
indecisive with guilt, social withdrawal and prolonged sadness.
It is both of these moods that indicate diagnoses.
DYSTHYMIA
This is feeling sad or empty, tearful, tired, fatigued and
worried with some sleep problems and loss of energy levels.
It occurs more frequently in women than men and generally
persists over a period of years.
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