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Signs and symptoms Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the associated signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition, and there may be periods of normal behavior. Manic phase For many people, signs and symptoms in the manic phase may include: - Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
- Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
- Poor judgment
- Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Inability to concentrate
- Aggressive behavior
Depressive phase In the depressive phase, signs and symptoms include: - Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
- Disturbances in sleep and appetite
- Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
- Problems concentrating
- Irritability
- Chronic pain without a known cause
- Recurring thoughts of suicide
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The first treatment for bipolar disorder often happens in the "acute" phase, when a person may have his or her first manic episode. In the acute phase, you may be suicidal, psychotic, or using such poor judgment that you are in danger of harming yourself. Your doctor may decide you should be hospitalized for your own safety, especially if he or she believes you are suicidal. Medications that may be used for initial treatment include: - Mood stabilizers, such as lithium carbonate (Eskalith, Lithane, and Lithobid). Experts believe lithium may affect certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that cause mood changes, but how the medication works is not completely understood. Anticonvulsants, such as valproate sodium (Depakene Syrup), divalproex (Depakote), and carbamazepine (Tegretol) are also mood stabilizers. Valproate and divalproex are used to treat manic episodes. The anticonvulsant lamotrigine was recently approved for the long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder and may be helpful for depression. Anticonvulsants can be helpful in hard-to-treat bipolar episodes. A mood stabilizer and an antipsychotic are often used as the first medications for acute manic episodes.
- Atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), and quetiapine (Seroquel). Antipsychotics quickly improve manic episodes. Olanzapine may be used in combination with mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants.
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), which may be used instead of antipsychotics or as an additional medication during a manic
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