Do you suffer from mood swings, from extreme highs to lows? It may be bipolar disorder and it is a very real and possibly very disabling mental illness without treatment. It is also known as “manic- depression,” and unfortunately there is no cure. “Mania” is the term used to describe the highs of mood, while “depression” is used to describe the lows.

Bipolar disorder often starts in adolescence and worsens with age, especially without treatment. It tends to wax and wane with time and when it flares up it can be very disruptive to the person suffering from the disorder and for those around them. Bipolar disorder varies in how severe the symptoms are, from very mild to incapacitating, and the number of flares varies as well.

During the manic part of the illness, people often feel euphoric, self-inflated, optimistic, poor judgment, insomnia, agitation, aggression, difficulty concentrating, and problems with distractibility. Conversely, during the depressive part of the illness, people feel low, sad, guilty, and helpless. They also have trouble sleeping and often have a poor appetite. In the depressive phase a person may even feel suicidal.

The cause of bipolar disorder is not exactly known, but it is thought that the environment and genetics play roles in it. It seems that levels of neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals involved in signaling in the brain, are out of normal range in bipolar disorder. Genes that turn on or turn off the production of these neurotransmitters may be inherited. Eighty to 90% of people with bipolar disorder have a family history of depression. Environmentally, drug abuse and stressful events can trigger a flare of the illness.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made after a physician has carefully ruled out any other causes like thyroid problems or substance abuse. A history of the pattern of symptoms is important as well. Other mental illnesses need to be ruled out as well, like schizophrenia, depression, and certain personality disorders.

Treatment for bipolar disorder usually combines medication with psychotherapy sessions and this can control it quite well. Lithium is still the most commonly prescribed medication for this illness. Anti-depressants are often used as well. People who really suffer from the depression side of the illness can benefit from electro convulsive shock therapy (ECT).

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be suffering from bipolar illness it is important to seek medical help as this can make a world of difference for the better.