Bipolar l disorder or manic depressive disorder is characterized by severe episodes of highs and lows. The symptoms will occur for at least a week. Bipolar l disorder is considered the most severe form of bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar l disorder will be socially impaired by their actions. Bipolar l disorder can impair a person.s daily ability to function. The primary trait in bipolar l disorder is mania. Mania is the greek word for madness. Mania is characterized by an unusually elevated mood which may or may not be followed by a depressed mood. When in mania the actions of the person experiencing mania can be so severe that a mild depression may follow. Mania symptoms are listed as the following: a euphoric feeling, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, risk taking, increased goal making, distractibility, talkativeness, irritability, a feeling of invincibility, increased sexual behavior, impulsiveness, involvement in negative social situations, rage, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, grandiosity, markedly increased energy and rapid, loud speech. If untreated the mania can turn into a psychosis and lead to hospitalization. In addition untreated mania can last from a few days to years. People with mania will exhibit rash behaviors like making purchases beyond their means, having sexual encounters with strangers, and/or make unrealistic plans. In mania a person is out of touch with reality. Some people with bipolar disorder may go through rapid cycling; which is the onset of bipolar disorder can occur from the early teens and into the twenties. All people diagnosed with bipolar l disorder are diagnosed and treated before the age of fifty. Bipolar disorder affects males and females equally. Children are also found to be affected by bipolar l. With bipolar l disorder there may be a genetic predisposition to the disease, if a parent has been diagnosed the chances of a child having some form of bipolar l disease are great. Also stress can play a role in triggering a bipolar l episode. And environment can be a trigger as well. Also including sleep deprivation, drug and substance abuse, treatment with just anti depressants, major trauma, or a biological reason such as a chemical imbalance in the brain (the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are not functioning correctly). Some people with bipolar l disorder may go without any symptoms for notable periods of time. Diagnosis for bipolar l is based on the patients. past history of mental illness, self reported experiences, family history of mental illness, patients. current demeanor – reasoning ability, memory, ability to concentrate or focus, ability for self expression, interpersonal relationships, home environment, and involvement in social situations. This does not mean the person has been cured; it is how the cycle of bipolar l disorder runs. Bipolar l disorder is an incurable but treatable mental disorder. Treatment for bipolar l disorder can include the use of several medications, for example, lithium which is a mood stabilizer, Seroquel which is an anti psychotic, abilify which is an anti psychotic, depakote which is an anti seizure medication that is used as a mood stabilizer. There are many medications that are used to treat bipolar l disorder; however other forms of treatment are used as well. The other methods of treating bipolar disorder are; electroconvulsive therapy also known as shock treatment. Electro shock therapy is considered an effective treatment for manic symptoms. Involuntary commitment, psychotherapy, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, voluntary commitment, changes in eating and sleeping habits, stopping drug and substance abuse, dietary changes such as stopping caffeine intake, eating healthier foods to maintain weight, and positive supportive help from family and friends. Also there are organizations, like live strong.com, medicine.net, and bipolar.com that can help or lead to help.

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