Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that reasons radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The mass of bipolar individuals feel alternating episodes of depression and mania. The source of bipolar disorder has not been obviously defined. Because two-thirds of bipolar patients have a family history of affective or emotional disorders, researchers have searched for a hereditary link to the disorder. Bipolar disorder generally is diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist with medical support. In addition to an interview, a number of clinical inventories or scales may be used to review the patient's mental status and decide the occurrence of bipolar symptoms. Alternative treatments for bipolar disorder usually are measured to be balancing treatments to conventional therapies. General suggestions for controlling bipolar symptoms consist of upholding a calm environment, getting plenty of rest, avoiding over stimulation, regular exercise, and good diet.