Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize
eople with bipolar disorder suffer from alternating phases euphorischer depressive mood and strong position, but the disease can be very different shapes and patterns, the diagnosis was difficult. In the manic phase, many feel Affected full of energy, they sleep little, show an excessive chattiness and hubris to megalomania. In the depression, the manic phases can precede or follow, there will be a marked energy and motivation. Often, these two extremes in a mixed form in which outsiders often difficult to detect, said Dr. Frank Bergmann, chairman of the Professional Association of German doctors nervous (BVDN). As the mania often to excessive alcohol and drug consumption, there is a risk that the disease is veiled. Not infrequently does the manic episode of bipolar disorder less pronounced than so-called hypomanische phase, so that the impression, a patient suffer from a unipolar depression and he may not be properly treated, warns the Aachen psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
In an acute manic episode feel most concerned not sick and therefore do not seek medical attention, because of the energy surplus bipolar sufferers are at this stage often very powerful and creative. For creative people often than from a bipolar disorder affected, including, for example, Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway and Sting. Because of hubris and possible delusions within a manic phase is a danger that concerned parties are endangering themselves or financially ruined. During the depressive phases, the suicide risk greatly increased. It is therefore important, as early as possible with treatment of the disease to begin, advises Dr. Bergmann. Although bipolar disorder can not be completely cured, but there are very good opportunities, the mood of the patients with a customized psychotherapy and medication to stabilize and the quality of life of those affected significantly.
It is estimated that about 1 to 3% of the population to suffer from a bipolar disorder. Often the disease begins in adolescence or in the first years of the third decade of life.