Bipolar disorder, which used to be called
manic depressive illness or manic depression, is a mental disorder characterized
by wide mood swings from high (manic) to low (depressed).
Periods of high or irritable mood are called manic episodes. The person becomes
very active, but in a scattered and unproductive way, sometimes with painful or
embarrassing consequences. Examples are spending more money than is wise or
getting involved in sexual adventures that are regretted later. A person in a
manic state is full of energy or very irritable, may sleep far less than normal,
and may dream up grand plans that could never be carried out. The person may
develop thinking that is out of step with reality -- psychotic symptoms -- such
as false beliefs (delusions) or false perceptions (hallucinations). During manic
periods, a person may run into trouble with the law.
Marja Bergen is the author of Riding the Roller Coaster: Living with Mood
Disorders (Northstone, 1999) and a new book for Christians about living
successfully with bipolar disorder (to appear). She is the founder of Living
Room, a faith-based Mood Disorders Association of BC support group. Her blog,
marjabergen.blogspot.com, deals with mental health and faith issues.
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