Bipolar Disorder affects high functioning people too

Bipolar Disorder Affects High-Functioning People Too

Many times persons resist seeking treatment for Bipolar Disorder because they fear doing so will label them as “crazy” and mean that they can’t function in society. This simply is not true.

 

I have a number of patients in my practice who I am treating for Bipolar Disorder who are doing quite well. A number of these patients are highly successful CEOs. Some are doctors, some are attorneys, some are entrepreneurs, and some stay at home to take care of their families.

 

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by a tendency to experience distinct episodes of mania or hypomania and sometimes episodes of depression.

Manic episodes typically last 4 days to months and are characterized by the presence of excessive amounts of energy, decreased need for sleep, unnaturally elevated mood (euphoria) or irritable mood, excessive engagement in projects, activities, etc. Milder manic episodes are called hypomania, and the person can just seem to be “wired” for multiple days on end.

Photo Credit:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/HEALTH/03/07/US.highest.bipolar.rates/t1larg.US.highest.bipolar.rates.jpg

 

Depressive episodes are characterized by at least 2 consecutive weeks of persistently depressed mood and/or a diminished ability to enjoy previously pleasurable activities, coupled with a number of other symptoms such as low energy, fatigue, a change in appetite or weight, and problems with sleep (sleeping too much or insomnia).

Depressive episodes tend to be more impairing than manic episodes, as persons with milder episodes of mania sometimes can be very productive during the hypomanic episodes.

 

Unfortunately, however, mania is not good for the brain. Think of it like running a car at 180 miles an hours – after awhile it will begin to break down the engine. Having recurrent, untreated episodes of mania can cause brain damage. Treatment can prevent this damage from occurring.

Treatment can help prevent damage to the brain.

 

If you are searching for more information on bipolar disorder, some reputable sources on the subject include:
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/
http://psychcentral.com/lib/living-with-bipolar-disorder/

The following link will take you to a self-assessment tool that you may find helpful in determining whether you are suffering from bipolar disorder:
http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm

 

If you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with Bipolar Disorder, get help now. The sooner you begin treatment the better.

At Next Step 2 Mental Health, we serve as a safe source for Christians within our community who are struggling. It is our goal to provide the highest level of care in a way that honors your Christian beliefs.

Call us at 502-339-2442 to book an appointment with one of our physicians or therapists, or visit our website at NextStep 2MH

If you don’t get help from us, seek help from someone.

Life and the future can be much brighter with treatment.