Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder. In this, the affected person may have episodes of Depression which is characterized by sadness, loss of interest, suicidal thoughts, lethargy, poor sleep or appetite, low self esteem. Or, there may be an episode of Mania which is characterized by over confidence, excessive talking, excessive energy, no need for sleep, excessive spending, poor judgment, reckless and risk taking behavior, may even get violent. Intermittently the person may be absolutely normal.
Next Steps
If you know of someone in a Depressed or an unrealistic Excited mood , or with such a history in the past, He or She definitely needs a consultation by a Psychiatrist. As the problem is a chemical disturbance in brain circuitry it will require medicine.
A person with Bipolar Disorder must definitely stay away from alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
Health Tips
There are medicine that a person suffering from Bipolar Disorder can take during pregnancy. While Bipolar Disorder tends to run in families, there is no conclusive reason to think that one patient will definitely have children who will develop Bipolar.
Such a person may live a normal life with work, marriage and children. Other people must not be afraid of associating with such people. With proper Guidance and treatment the disease can be well managed