How does bipolar damage the brain?
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The word "bipolar" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims or implications made by certain psychiatric and pharmaceutical organisations. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "bipolar" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSymptoms that psychiatry labels as "bipolar" (or it's related disorders), can stem from any number of variable sources. Many people, for example, have overcome "bipolar" through megavitamin therapy and effective nutrition. A growing wealth of evidence supports that underlying nutritional deficiencies can cause even the most severe mental disorders, including symptoms labelled as "schizophrenia" [See source refs]\n\nBottom line? Psychiatry is a belief-system, a "faith", not a science. Despite the huge marketing strategies, the so-called "research" and all the propaganda thrown at the world, there is not one iota of scientific evidence that proves that "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, in fact, exists as an actual --medical disease--.\n\nIf you have been told differently then know this: You have been lied to.\n\nFor more information, please visit:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\n\nFor information on non-drug / alternative approaches:\n- http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#B\n- http://www.pendulum.org/articles/articles_misc_lisaalt.html\n- http://www.truehope.com/_empowerplus/empowerplus.asp\n- http://www.mentalhealthproject.com/content.asp?id_Content=1575
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READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN ON WEB AND IN MEDICAL BOOK; TALK TO DOCTORS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, AND OR PSYCHIATRIST, OR TO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS. I've had bi-polar at least 18 yrs. & possibly longer. I think i've read that STRESS can bring it ON  or make it worse. Some helpful info i read was info. about Mentall illness that i ordered from the U.S. Government--I think it was; the way i found it: first thru: Consumer SOMETHING (I SORRY I CANNOT think of name of it right now.\nSome of my symptoms of Bipolar: very excessive TALKING with mania--just couldn't get enough said & told; flights of money making ideas- thinking of the ideas--ALMOST faster than U can write them down;also lots of hostility and BEING HATEFUL,ETC.; also too much mental energy & need for very little or no sleep;  in depressive cycle:  too much sleep & at bottom of barrel--excessively DEPRESSED & can't Make myself do things that I needed to do.  (My med. helps a little, but not LOTS & i refuse to take more then 1.5 mg.'s of zyprexa DAILY, but to possible side effects-especially Diabetees, which i don't think I HAVE -yet, anyways. --u can type in BIPOLAR I THINK UNDER SEARCH at yahoo and /or google. ---ALSO, in depressed cycle: too much sleep & lack of energy.
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Yeah you should check with your doctor.  Bipolar is a very severe illness and you shouldn't ingest anything without knowing what affect it will have on your mood
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Yeah, it was first identified in rats while studying epilepsy. They implanted electrodes in the rats' brains, and used a small current to trigger a seizure. Over time, they found that the current could be steadily reduced, until eventually the rats had seizures with no stimulus at all. In other words, it's a 'sensitization' thing.\n\nThe same effect takes place in unmedicated bipolar patients. The current thinking is that epsiodes, at least in the early years, are triggered by external events/stresses. Without treatment, the bipolar brain becomes more and more sensitive to these triggers, until eventually the sufferer cycles continuously, without needing to be triggered.\n\nIt is also believed that the episodes will become more serious over time, if untreated.
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Bipolar Disorder:\nWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?\n\nBipolar disorder used to be known as manic depression. It's a serious illness, one that can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships and careers, even suicidal tendencies -- if it's not treated. \n\nBipolar disorder is characterized by extreme changes in mood (poles) -- from mania to depression. Between these mood swings, a person with Bipolar disorder may experience normal moods.\n\n"Manic" describes an increasingly restless, energetic, talkative, reckless, powerful, euphoric period. Lavish spending sprees or impulsive risky sex can be irresistible. Then, at some point, this high-flying mood can spiral into something darker -- irritation, confusion, anger, feeling trapped.\n\n"Depression" describes the opposite mood -- sadness, crying, sense of worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure, sleep problems. \n\nBut because the pattern of highs and lows varies for each person, bipolar disorder is a complex disease to diagnose. For some people, mania or depression can last for weeks or months, even for years. For other people, bipolar disorder takes the form of frequent and dramatic mood shifts. \n\n"There's a whole spectrum of symptoms and mood changes that have been found in bipolar disorder," says Michael Aronson, MD, a clinical psychiatrist and consultant for WebMD. "It's not always dramatic mood swings. In fact, some people seem to get along just fine. The manic periods can be very, very productive. They think things are going great."\n\nThe danger comes, he says, when the mania grows much worse. "The change can be very dramatic, with catastrophic results. People can get involved in reckless behavior, spend a lot of money, there may be sexual promiscuity, sexual risks." \n\nThe depressed phases can be equally dangerous: A person may have frequent thoughts of suicide.\n\nIf you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, contact a health-care professional, loved one, friend, or call 911 immediately. \n\nBipolar disorder is equally difficult for families of those affected. The condition is the most difficult mental illness for families to accept, Aronson tells WebMD. "Families can more easily accept schizophrenia, to understand that it is an illness. But when a person is sometimes very productive, then becomes unreasonable or irrational, it wreaks more havoc on the family. It seems more like bad behavior, like they won't straighten up." \n\nIf this rings true -- either for you or a loved one -- the first step in tackling the problem is to see a psychiatrist. Whether it's bipolar disorder or another mood-related problem, effective treatments are available. What's most important is that you recognize the problem, and start looking for help.\n\nBorderline Personality Disorder \n\nTopic Overview \n\n\nWhat is borderline personality disorder?\nBorderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that causes unstable emotions, impulsiveness, relationship problems, and an unstable self-image. People with the disorder often behave self-destructively, have problems managing anger, and have an intense fear of being rejected and left alone (abandoned). They often also struggle with other conditions such as depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems. \n\nSigns of the disorder usually first appear in childhood, but problems often don't develop until early adulthood. Treatment can be difficult. Setbacks are common, and recovery from troubling emotional and behavioral symptoms can take years. However, treatment may be more effective than was previously thought, and even people with severe symptoms usually improve over time.1\n\nWhat are the symptoms?\nFeatures of borderline personality disorder include aggressive behavior, difficulty controlling emotions and impulses, problems with unstable and intense relationships, a low sense of self-worth, and frantic anxiety
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I would not necessarily say that it is going to get worse if you don't take drugs.  It's probably going to get worse if you stay in a "diseased" state.  I have had 3 episodes of bipolar disorder with a small number of schizoaffective symptoms.  I have a medical background and a degree in biology which facilitates my understanding of these diseases.  I have read research that indicates the brain is most definately damaged by mental illness -- physically.  In other words, your actual physical brain structure is altered -- for the worse.  MRI studies can find infarcts that correlate with psychotic episodes.\n\nIn sum, treatment is required to prevent the symptoms, because the longer you live in an "ill" state, the more you expose your brain to the types of chemicals that lead to these type of physical changes.\n\nIf you require drugs to be okay, then by all means, use them and use them religiously.\n\nI personally have used drugs periodically to get back to normal and regain function; closely coordinated with psychotherapy.  I do not currently take medication, and I am fine.\n\nIf your condition is more constant in nature, I would highly recommend lifelong treatment with drugs.\n\nI myself have tried antipsychotics, which I do believe helped.  However, the risk of tardive dyskinesia (which is marked by abnormal muscle movements most notably in the eye muscles) is a great risk to take.  This is why I stopped taking this medication and motivated myself to abate the symptoms in other ways.\n\nBipolar drugs are another matter.  Lithium is cheap but has lots of side effects.  Other drugs may have fewer side effects but be very expensive.\n\nOnce again, I'd rather live without drugs than deal with side effects or a drain on my pocketbook.\n\nAny health decisions should be made with the help of a doctor, and possibly even more than one doctor in cases like this.  I would advise discussing this question with a licensed psychiatrist.  (NOT A THERAPIST.  A MEDICAL DOCTOR WITH A PSYCHIATRY SPECIALTY.)\n\nBest wishes.
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Yes bipolar disorder, untreated can be deadly.  15% of all bipolar people will successfully kill themselves and at least  25% of bipolar patients will attempt suicide. Now if one adds the amount of people who die by acting stupid during mania, then bipolar disorder looks a lot like a terminal disease. The good news is the medication lithium reduces the number in half and if the disease is under control then one does not have to end up on suicide watch. Bipolar is not something to take lightly because one bad mood swing can cause someone to fall off the deep end. This is why therapy and medicine are so important and if there is a sudden change in mood the doctor needs to know right away. It's better to stop a problem at the beginning then to have to suffer.
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It is a mental disorder, when the chemicals in your brain are out of whack! \n\nThe person that has been diagnosed with a bi-polar disorder usually has tremendous mood swings.  Very jolly one minute and extremely angry in the next moment.  The individual may have a learning disability.  It can be severe enough to cause harm to others or to oneself. Can be very quick to anger.\n\nThe good news is that it can be treated.  Many very talented and famous people are bi-polar.  Or the individual just learns how to deal with their problem without medication.  It just take awareness of oneself.
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Bipolar is a lifelong condition that affects people all over the world.  It tends to run in families.
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Even though it reacts with water,\nAnd reacts with your brain.\nChemistry still sucks,\nAnd Lithium is to blame!
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The word "bipolar" is a psychiatric label used to categorise a variety of psychological traits, fundamentally characterised by the alternation of manic and depressive states (severe mood swings).\n\nDespite psychiatric and pharmaceutical company claims, there is no scientific proof that "bipolar" or any other mental disorder is rooted in one's biology, a "chemical imbalance" or some form of brain abnormality.\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\nIf you choose to accept psychiatry's system of beliefs that "bipolar" is a "disease", and that you are "ill" and require "medical treatment", then by all means go the psych route and remove yourself of any responsibility for handling your own condition. Visit http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis1/p21-md02.html for the full criteria of psychiatry's "bipolar I disorder").\n\nHowever, if you choose not to accept Psychiatry's junkscience, and would like to seek alternative handlings for extreme mood swings, check out:\n\n- http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#B\n\n- http://www.truehope.com\n\n- http://www.gsdl.com/home/assessments/finddisease/depression/\n\nThrough Psychiatry's stigmatizing labels, easy-seizure commitment laws and often brutal depersonalizing "treatments" thousands needlessly fall into a coercive psychiatric system which denies the most basic of human rights.\n\nRespect is given for medicine, practiced as medicine, in a spirit of honest and ethical endeavor, and with due consideration to primacy of the patient's needs and health. However, there is every argument with the seduction and contamination of medicine by psychiatrists whose totally unscientific and fraudulent contributions threaten to pervert not only the position, honor, humanity and value of medicine, but to wreck the lives of millions of patients who simply come looking for help.
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Talk to you psychiatrist.  The most notable clinical feature of bipolar disorder is dramatic mood swings.  As compared to an anxiety disorder or depression where your moods will may be impacted by external factors, but will otherwise remain relatively level, in bipolar disorder patients cycle through periods of mania and depression.  But you should really really talk to your psychiatrist - I assure you he or she knows a lot more about it that I do.  Also, antidepressents effect your mood (obviously - that's the whole point), and may be responsible for some or all of you symptoms.  Your doctor may want to try a different anti-depressent or take you off them entirely for a while before deciding on a new diagnosis.\n\nPS. Anti-depressants are a standard treatment for anxiety disorders.
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In a nutshell...Bipolar is a cyclic changing from manic good moods to low depression. Borderline is characterized by see everying in black and white - no middle ground. For more info see below.\n\n\nBipolar Disorder\nBipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. In most populations it affects around 1 percent of the population. Men and women are equally likely to develop this often-disabling illness. The disorder typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood and affects sufferers throughout their lifespan. \n\nAlthough traditionally thought of as an adult disorder, there is now recognition that children also suffer from bipolar disorder. There are no definite known causes. Scientists believe that Bipolar Disorder may be caused by a combination of biological and psychological factors. Most commonly the onset of this disorder can be linked to stressful life events. Cycles, or episodes, of depression, mania, or "mixed" manic and depressive symptoms typically recur and may become more frequent, often disrupting work, school, family, and social life. \n\nThe "kindling" theory suggests that persons who are genetically prone (toward bipolar) experience a series of stressful events, each of which lowers the threshold at which mood changes occur. Then at some point these mood changes occur spontaneously. The person then "becomes bipolar". This might explain why the cause of bipolar is difficult to pinpoint but is somehow related to genetics and environment.\n\nBorderline Personality Disorder\nBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder characterised by extreme 'black and white' thinking, mood swings, emotional reasoning, disrupted relationships and difficulty in functioning in a way society accepts as normal.\n\nThe name comes from the DSM-IV-TR; the ICD-10 in Europe has an equivalent called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. Psychiatrists describe borderline personality disorder as a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity.\n\nOriginally thought to be at the "borderline" between psychosis and neurosis, people with BPD suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation. While less well-known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic-depression), BPD is more common, affecting two percent of adults, mostly young women. There is a high rate of self-injury without suicidal intent, as well as a significant rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide in severe cases. \n\nIn some instances people with BPD kill themselves by accident in a case of self-injury that goes too far. Patients often need extensive mental health services, and they account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations. With help, however, many will improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives.
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Bipolar disorder, often referred to colloquially as manic depression, is a diagnosis describing a mood disorder where person cycles between states of depression and mania (or hypomania). Mood swings occur significantly enough to interfere with an individual's ability to function on a daily basis. The majority of people diagnosed with bipolar suffer largely from depression. Bipolar depression is believed to affect approximately 1% of the general population and 10% of people suffering from depression.\n\nEmil Kraepelin (1856-1926), a German psychiatrist who first proposed the existence of an illness he coined "manic depression", noted in his original description that intervals of acute illness, manic or depressive, were generally punctuated by relatively symptom-free intervals in which a patient was able to function normally.\n\nTo that point, there are currently three types of bipolar disorder outlined by the DSM-IV-TR and generally accepted within the medical community: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Like many disorders involving brain chemistry, bipolar disorder is still under investigation, and symptoms may differ significantly from person to person. Typically, symptoms include periods of euphoria, which alternate with periods of profound depression. In most cases, periods of mood stability complement these periods of instability.
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Yes, if you don't get treatment for it you could make it worse. The bipolar state puts stress on the brain and other parts of your body. You could end up in a vegetable state,
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OK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.\n\nIt is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.\n\nThe cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.\n\nThere are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.
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Doctors want to be like Gods and be the ones to declare you have bipolar (new name for manic depression). The fact is everyone has it to some degree but they declare it when it is very bad.\n\nA normal person will go into manic seeing he just won a million dollars. Then he becomes depressed when he is told it was a fake ticket or his dog died. It is just a money making business to sell drugs.\n\nThis means all of the above are right. IT IS NORMAL TO BE BIPOLAR. It is usally more severe with geniuses. Either way you need peace and happiness.\n\nBUT the site below has natural ways to help depression and bipolar under "depresson and bipolar." Has stories of people who had it badly. These stories will UPLIFT anyone, even the happiest people you know. Plus these natural methods help anyone to be happier and isn't that what you really need-- happiness.\n\nhttp://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html