Biploar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

This affects between 0.5% - 1 % of the population and there is an equal incidnce in men and wormen. It is characterised by a period of mania, elation or an extreme feeling of wellbeing which can be short lasting but associated with increased energy, increased rate of speech, significant insomnia, racing thoughts, distractibility, change in behabiour, irritability, lack of judgement, restlessness, over spending and drandiose ideas.

With bipolar disorder there can be a switch between episodes of elation and episodes of depression, or there can be episodes of mixed mood with features of both depression and elation at the same time.

The risks for mood disorders include:

  • A strong family history
  • Significant traumatic life events
  • Child birth
  • Childhood neglect
  • Childhood abuse
  • Some personality traits