Got the blues or could it be something else?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5.7 American adults have Bipolar Disorder. Once called Manic-Depression, what sets this chronic mental health condition apart from Depression is episodes of mania or hypomania. During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person has an elevated or irritable mood and they may have inflated self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, they may be more talkative, and have racing thoughts. They may be very distractible, increasing their goal directed activity and excessively involved in pleasurable and risky behaviors that have a high potential for painful consequences. A manic episode will impair occupational or social functioning but hypomania is not as severe.

Identifying Bipolar Disorder is Tricky Business.

If you suspect you or a loved one has Bipolar Disorder a thorough assessment by a mental health professional is essential. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, this is a diagnosis given to adults. The age of onset is between 20-25. Often people will seek help for depression but not when they are manic, they may not even perceive the mania as a problem. The mental health professional or frequently the family doctor may not see the full picture. They may only see and treat the depression. Laws about confidentiality may hinder getting important information. Sometimes a first episode is depression or there has been long periods without any symptoms.

The Consequences of not identifying Bipolar Disorder

There is some risk for worsening symptoms with medication meant for conditions other than Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder can lead to financial problems, relationship issues, employment problems, substance abuse (self-medicating) and ultimately suicide. Therefore a correct diagnosis is imperative.

Where to begin to get help

Make an appointment with your family doctor or a mental health professional. Read up on Bipolar Disorder and write down questions you have and relevant information to optimize the time you have with them. Ask about family history. Sometimes an eccentric uncle, suicide and alcohol problems give relevant clues. Include significant others. If someone can go to the appointment along with the patient this may be helpful. If not, sign releases so that the practitioner can talk with your family. These tips are helpful with any medical visit.

There is hope

This is a very treatable condition. Persons with Bipolar Disorder can learn to manage their symptoms. It may take some trial and error to find the right "recipe" of medications. It helps to have support from family and friends. It affects different people differently so knowing yourself helps with the identification and the management of Bipolar Disorder. A person who has Bipolar Disorder may not wish to receive feedback about how they behave when manic or hypomanic but those closest to you can often tell if an episode is coming on. Listen to them, ask them. Counseling can help and there are support groups.

There is a local support group that meets in Carbondale. For more information call Beth Smith at the Center for Independent Living 457-3318.

Sarah Buila, Ph. D. Social Work, Assistant Professor, School Of Social Work SIUC and member of the Jackson County Mental Health Action Team

LeaAnn Kuehl RN MPS Educator for the Family Planning Program at Jackson County Health Department and member of the Jackson County Mental Health Action Team