Everyone experiences temporary highs and lows in their daily lives. Often there is a clearly defined, easily recognized reason for feeling on top of the world or down in the dumps. But sometimes there does not seem to be any reason.

Major mood disorders, however, is another story. What distinguishes major mood disorders from normal mood changes is that a major mood disorder may go on and on and become emotionally, socially and financially devastating.

Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, will affect nearly one in 100 people at some point in their lives. A person who has this illness will have drastic mood swings from the depths of depression to the intense highs of mania. There are generally periods of a normal mood as well, but left untreated, the moods will continue to swing from one extreme to the other.

Symptoms: Manic Phase

• Feeling on top of the world. A sensation of sheer and utter happiness that nothing -- not even bad news or a horrifying event or tragedy -- can change.

• Grandiose delusions. Individuals imagine that they have special connections with God, celebrities, or political leaders.

• Invincibility. The person feels that nothing can prevent him or her from accomplishing a task.

• Hyperactivity. Scheduling more events in a day than can be accomplished; inability to relax or sit still.

• Excessively risky behavior. Reckless driving, outlandish spending sprees, foolish business investments, or out-of-character sexual behavior.

• Uncontrollable racing thoughts/rapid speech. Ideas that abruptly change from topic to topic expressed in loud, rapid speech that becomes increasingly incoherent.

• Less need for sleep.

• Sudden irritability or rage.

Symptoms: Depressed Phase

• Intense sadness or despair. The person feels helpless, hopeless and worthless.

• No interest in activities once enjoyed.

• Loss of energy, fatigue.

• Sleep difficulties. Either sleeping too much or not at all.

• Changes in appetite. Either a noticeable increase in appetite or a substantial weight loss unrelated to dieting.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Constant thoughts of death or suicide.

What Causes the Illness?

Bipolar disorder can run in families, so there is a high likelihood there is a genetic cause for the illness. In fact, 80% to 90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with either depression or bipolar disorder. Research has also pointed to events occurring within the body as possible causes of bipolar disorder. Suggested causes include an irregular production or release of hormones and imbalances in the ways brain cells communicate.

Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated?

Absolutely. Although the illness can become quite disabling, bipolar disorder is very treatable. Unfortunately, there is a high probability people with this illness will not comply with the treatment they are given, particularly when they are in a manic phase and feeling good. However, treatment is essential at all stages of the illness and must be strictly followed if a successful outcome is to be reached.

Medications are commonly used to stabilize the manic phase of the illness and prevent future swings in mood. All medications have side effects and must be carefully monitored. But with proper monitoring, medication has returned thousands of people to leading productive lives that would not otherwise have been possible.

Like all serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can disrupt a person's life and relationships with others, particularly with spouses and family members. Thus, people undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder can also benefit from psychotherapy, in which the individual and a psychiatrist work out the problems and re-establish relationships damaged by the illness.

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June 30, 2006 12:05 PM