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Bipolar disorder (manic depression) is a mood disorder which causes a person to alternate between abnormal highs and lows (mania and depression). The illness affects the brain on a chemical level. More than for any other mental disorder, manic depression and associated mood disorders tend to run in families, showing a strong genetic link. Once a person starts to have episodes, that person will almost always experience the constant cycling for life. There is no cure, only treatment. Without effective medical treatment, the mood swings of bipolar disorder only become worse. Problems with relationships, binge spending, holding a job, etc. develop. Some bipolars have psychotic features. Some need periodic hospitalization. Worst of all, bipolar disorder increases the risk of suicide 15 times.[1]
Seeking a silver lining in all this madness, we have provided some educational material to help those with the illness and to increase awareness among loved ones and the general population. We hope those affected will learn more about their illness so they can better cope with its potentially devastating effects. Awareness helps others to better understand those of us who are bipolar and will hopefully erode misconceptions, distrust, ostracism, and bigotry.
Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder doesn't mean you're "nuts", bad, weak, or lazy. No amount of willpower, morality, or logical thinking can physically alter the brain to eliminate symptoms. You cannot change those genes which may cause neurotransmitters to become imbalanced. On the other hand, while it's not your fault that you are bipolar and have symptoms, your disorder does not take away your responsibility for the choices you make : taking medications, not abusing drugs and alcohol, treating others properly, or breaking the law. Those of us who are bipolar must learn to live with the limitations our symptoms create, without feeling guilty for those things we cannot control. Reading about bipolar and talking with other bipolars, in addition to professional counseling if necessary, can help us to find the right balance. This section of A Silver Lining involves the first part: information about bipolar disorder you can read.
From the DSM-IV, we have included the criteria for mood disorders (disorders, episodes, specifiers); diagnostic codes; and a description of the multiaxial assessment technique. To further assist understanding of the various psychological terms, we have included a glossary. Links to the Goldberg Inventories and Internet Mental Health "online diagnoses" allow readers to get a general estimate of their mood state. We also include information about the typical treatments. We have a little fun detailing some of the symbols associated with bipolar disorder. Finally, we list our sources, which you may consult for further information.
These on-line tests cannot replace a proper medical diagnosis by a trained physician, as they warn. They can, however, help you to decide if your symptoms are severe enough to need to see a doctor. They are convenient because you don't need to schedule an appointment, pay a doctor, or even leave the comfort of your home.
If you've already been diagnosed, these can help to double check that diagnosis--if the online tests differ from what your doctor has diagnosed, perhaps you need a second doctor's opinion.
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