o many artists, actors,and actresses,scientists, and presidents among the people who have the Bipolar disorder.
These are some of the pictures of some famous people who struck by Bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Try to Guess their names
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Bipolar disorder in Canada?
There are two main types of bipolar illness:
bipolar I and bipolar II. In bipolar I, the symptoms include at least one lifetime episode of mania–a period of unusually elevated or irritable mood–and usually episodes of depression.
In bipolar II, people suffer from episodes of depression as well as episodes of hypomania, a mild form of mania where they have an elevated mood as well as high energy and activity levels.
How common is bipolar disorder?
Approximately 2.5% of Canadians suffer from bipolar I disorder, whereas up to 5% suffer from bipolar II disorder.
The illness affects both men and women equally and occurs more often in people with family members who have it.
What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?
Several factors play a role in the development of bipolar disorder, but the precise cause is still unknown. However, there is strong evidence suggesting that biological and genetic factors play an important part.
Stress is not a cause of the disease.
But, it can trigger an episode in someone who already has the disease. Other triggers include: continuous lack of sleep, or substance abuse and use of certain drugs.
Can bipolar disorder be prevented?
Presently, there are no means of preventing bipolar disorder. However, there are ways of preventing future episodes:
Education on the illness:
A healthy lifestyle: eating healthy meals, exercising regularly and maintaining normal sleep patterns can help prevent future attacks. Avoiding drug and alcohol abuse also helps.
Stress-coping strategies: developing stress-coping mechanisms and ideally using more than one mechanism.
Avoiding isolation: establishing a strong social network can be a great source of support.
A balanced life: living a balanced and satisfying lifestyle can reduce stress.
- Good diary: writing down symptoms, stressors and concerns about episodes can help you prepare for future ones.
A support network: ensuring that family and friends are well educated about the illness and its symptoms is important.
The symptoms of this illness result from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This imbalance causes people to have extreme shifts in mood, energy and ability to function.
But the good news is that this imbalance can be treated and people with bipolar disorder can get back to their lives.
- Learn about the illness (causes, signs, treatments) • Encourage them to follow their medication as prescribed by their doctors
- Learn about the warning sides of suicide
- Suggest coping mechanisms to prevent future episodes
- Know that your family member needs to recover at his or her own pace.
Symptoms of mania can include the following:
- feelings of invincibility
- more physical energy
- less need for sleep
- inappropriate excitement
- irritability or excessive anger
- increased activity, talking and moving
- increased sexual thoughts and activity, sometimes resulting in promiscuity and inappropriate or unsafe behavior
- disconnected and racing thoughts
- racing speech
- loss of self-control and impulsive or reckless behavior
- inappropriate spending
- hallucinations and delusions.
Some symptoms of depression may include:
- feelings of sadness and loss
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- feelings of extreme impatience, irritability, or a short temper
- loss of interest or pleasure in usually-enjoyed activities
- changes in weight or appetite
- changes in sleeping patterns like insomnia
- reduced ability to think clearly or make decisions
- difficulties in concentrating or with short-term memory loss
- constantly feeling tired
- noticeable lack of motivation
- anxiety and restlessness, sometimes leading to panic attacks
- muscle and joint pain
- constipation or other intestinal problems
- frequent headaches
- lack of interest in sex
- recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- withdrawal from friends and family.
The aftermath of a manic episode can be devastating both for individuals and for families and loved ones. They may now be dealing with financial hardship, the health and relational effects of risky sexual practices or the physical consequences of substance abuse or personal injury accidents or assaults that may have occurred during mania. The depressive phase can involve the risk of suicide.
Bipolar disorder is a serious illness but with treatment, people can recover and lead fulfilling lives.
One percent (1%) of Canadians aged 15 years and over reported symptoms that met the criteria for a bipolar disorder in the previous 12 months. About 1 in 50 adults aged 25-44 years or 45-64 years reported symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder at some point in their lifetime. The proportion of men and women who met the lifetime criteria for bipolar disorder decreased slightly with age. (2002 Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey, Statistics Canada)
- Nearly 9 out of 10 Canadians who reported symptoms that met the 12-month criteria for bipolar disorder (86. 9%) reported that the condition interfered with their lives. (2002 Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey, Statistics Canada)
- While most people with bi-polar disorder (or depression) will not commit suicide, the risk of suicide among those with bipolar disorder is higher than in the general population
