Bipolar Disease

Bipolar Disease Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness in which a person's mood changes between extreme enthusiasm and depression. Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. When manic, people with bipolar disorder feel intensely overjoyed, self-important, energetic, and irritable. When depressed, they experience painful sadness, negative thinking, and lack of interest to things that used to bring them happiness. SIGNS: *Increased energy, activity, and restlessness *Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood *Extreme irritability *Racing thoughts …

…if treatment is continuous than if it is on and off. But even when there are no breaks in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to your doctor. "Mood stabilizers" prescribed to help control bipolar disorder Lithium very effective in controlling mania and preventing the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes valproate (Depakote®) or carbamazepine (Tegretol®) also can have mood-stabilizing effects and may be especially useful for difficult-to-treat bipolar episodes