Although the mood and emotional swings can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months, the disorder eventually makes individuals unpredictable in thoughts, moods, or behaviors to others and to themselves. Bipolar Disorder affects their lives so very thoroughly that their erratic behavior causes damage to relationships, poor school or work performances, and, unfortunately, for some, suicide.

About Bipolar Disorder becomes more about the number of increasing cases, as well.approximately 6 million Americans will develop the disorder, half of whom will develop it before the age of 25. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) also reveal that Bipolar Disorder happens to be the sixth leading cause of disability in the world, affecting an estimated 222 million adults worldwide. Bipolar Disorder strikes all ages, races, social classes, and ethnic groups, seriously affecting men, women, teenagers, and even children. Another statistic points out yet one more terrible fact about the disease.one in every five people commits the dreadful, irreversible act of suicide (according to the National Institute of Mental Health).

Through the efforts of public education and media support, Bipolar Disorder has become more recognized by the public as an illness and not a personal weakness or character flaw. However, much is still unknown about this disorder. Research continues and has gained further insight into some possible causes of Bipolar Disorder. One such insight is the possibility of genetic influences predisposing some to developing the disorder. Studies have revealed that 80 to 90 percent of people who have suffered from the disorder also have relatives who have had some form of depression. Additionally, there is an indication that a biochemical imbalance may exist which alters an individual.s emotions and also possibly causes Bipolar Disorder.

However, knowing more About Bipolar Disorder will help in properly diagnosing the disease. Bipolar Disorder consists of two contrasting components of the disease: One component is Bipolar Mania and the other is Bipolar Depression. In Bipolar Mania the symptoms are as follows: fast talking; restlessness or impulsiveness; impaired judgment; over-confidence; overly happy or optimistic for long periods of time; becoming easily agitated (feeling jumpy); and behaving excessively risky, such as indulging in impulsive sex, spending too much money, or gambling away savings. Bipolar Depression will include the following symptoms: sad or worried feelings for extended periods of time; isolating one.s self from family and friends along with losing interest in once enjoyable activities; either a loss or increase in appetite; slowed speech; memory and concentration difficulties; and increasing thoughts, speech, or attempts of suicide. Symptoms are only part of this disease; for Bipolar Disorder is no simple, temporary disease. It is much like heart disease or diabetes and needs careful lifetime management.

About Bipolar Disorder turns out to be about individuals admitting they do need help and about them getting the help they need. It may take time and certainly take effort, but with psychotherapy (.talk. therapy), medication such as antidepressants and sedatives, and behavior modification, the disorder can be treated. Certainly, Bipolar Disorder is serious, but with following the proper treatment, the affected individual can finally lead a successfully useful, happy, and stable life.a life no longer like a rollercoaster ride.

Bipolar Disorder Therapy consists of two methods which will help these patients and their families. Family-focused therapy is one method which requires both the participation and the input of family members of the patient. In this type of therapy the focus is on family communication and problem solving. They can express their feelings, some of which may be the following: Helplessness, confusion, hopelessness, anger, hurt, and resentment. They will learn how to deal with their feelings of guilt and shame or sadness and fear. They will begin understanding that such feelings are normal for the families of bipolar patients.

The therapist will teach the family to encourage the patient by affirming his/her ability to recover with time and patience. They will learn how to help their loved one build a positive self-image. Furthermore, they will learn to cope with the patient.s changing moods and behaviors. The family will see the illness and its symptoms affect on the loved one and that his/her reaction to them is not his/her true personality. They will learn how to respond appropriately with such statements as, .I am here for you; we are in this together.. The therapist may even suggest that the family join a support group for their own personal encouragement and support, too. An example of an organization that can help them is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA.www.dbsalliance.org/) with its resource of available support groups, online or in person. The therapist will urge the family to be aware of any possible threats or hints of suicidal behavior and immediately to notify a medical professional or take the patient to emergency care.

The second method of Bipolar Therapy is Cognitive behavioral therapy which will help the patient in understanding the disease. This therapy is a .talk therapy. which allows patients to talk about the issues which could be causing depression. Patients will learn how to identify the warning signs of their illness and its symptoms by asking themselves pertinent questions, for example: .What early warning signs of my illness have I noticed or been told about by others?. and .What feelings, thoughts, sensations, behavior, and words do I need to be aware of as symptoms?.

The therapist will teach patients how to manage their lives by helping them to learn how to set goals and achieve them. They will begin asking themselves what motivates and interests them and what dreams or hopes they have. They will learn more about themselves.what is important to them and what they would like do to with their lives. The therapist will instruct them in setting small-term daily goals, such as: What time to get up from sleep; what chores to do that day; and what support people to talk with, either by phone or on-line. Then, as patients complete these steps, they will learn how to set long-term goals, such as: Finding a job or get training for a job; moving to a new residence; and developing stronger relationships with family or friends.

Step by step, the therapist helps patients learn effective ways of coping with their disease. In learning how to manage their Bipolar Disorder with Bipolar Therapy, patients begin a journey to stability in their lives. This may take time since it is definitely a process of learning and growing. However, the therapist will continue helping patients in taking their steps in the right direction: Better and more satisfying lives for both patients and their families.

The DSM lists the Types Of Bipolar as: Bipolar I Disorder; Bipolar Disorder II; Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS); and Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia). However, some people can be diagnosed with something known as rapid-cycling Bipolar Disorder which denotes four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed symptoms within a year. There are some who will experience more than one episode in a week or even within one day. The rapid cycling appears to be more common in those who have a more severe Bipolar Disorder. Also, it seems more common in individuals who have had their first episode of Bipolar Disorder at a younger age. Sometimes, these individuals will have had their first episode during their mid to late teen years. Furthermore, women experience more cycling episodes than men.

Bipolar I Disorder is defined mainly by the manic or mixed episodes which last for at least seven days. The bipolar individual may have such severe manic symptoms that he or she may need immediate hospitalization. Additionally, the individual may also experience depressive episodes of at least two weeks. Both depression and mania symptoms involve a significant change from the individual.s normal behavior.

Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes which interchange with hypomanic episodes; however, the manic or mixed episodes will not be as highly developed as in other Types of Bipolar. A hypomanic episode is much like mania only not as severe. Its symptoms are also much like the symptoms of mania: Racing thoughts and increased activity; less need for sleep; feelings of grandiosity; and elevated mood. Furthermore, the hypomanic episode does not obviously interfere with the individual.s work, daily routines or family life whereas manic episodes do. Mixed episodes denote a combination of symptoms of both depression and mania. One such example is when a bipolar person may be showing all the frenetic energy of mania, yet also suffers with the despairing thoughts of depression.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified or BP-NOS becomes the diagnosis when the disorder.s symptoms do not meet the criteria necessary to diagnose either Bipolar I or II. One reason may be that the symptoms do not last long enough or there may be too few symptoms manifested. Yet, symptoms of the disease are beyond the individual.s normal routine and behavior range.

Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) is a Bipolar Type which is a milder form of the disorder. Those who have this form of Bipolar Disorder will have hypomania episodes which rotate with mild depression episodes for a period of at least two years. These symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder will not qualify as meeting the diagnostic criteria for other Types Of Bipolar, which is the reason it is listed in its own category.

Bipolar Disorder has many symptoms in common with other mental disorders (such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia) which further complicate diagnosis. If the disorder is not diagnosed correctly, the disease can worsen and episodes become more severe. Therefore, it is important for patients to share their complete medical history and all the symptoms, feelings, and behaviors that have interfered with their daily lives, routines, and relationships. In knowing the different Types of Bipolar, associated symptoms, and the medical history of the patient, the medical professional will give a proper diagnosis.

Newer Antipsychotic Drugs are safer than the older drugs or even clozapine; another positive factor is that these medications may be better tolerated by patients. Risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are two of these drugs; however, they may not be as effective as clozapine. As always further research continues in this field in order to develop more effective medications with less adverse side effects.

Although almost any Antipsychotic Drug may prove effective in treating certain symptoms of schizophrenia, especially the alarming symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, most of these drugs do not prove as helpful in other areas. For example, both the patient.s lack of emotional expressiveness and the lack of motivation may still go unrelieved. Additionally, some of the older Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics (tranquilizers that usually induced a state of apathy or limited range of emotion), such as haloperidol (Haldo) or chlorpromazine (Thorazine) have side effects similar to the more difficult symptoms of schizophrenia. However, these effects can be counteracted and reduced by lowering the dosage or changing to a different medication. The medications which may be substituted are olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal). These are newer medications and usually have proven to be less problematic than the older ones. At times the patient with schizophrenia may develop depression and the schizophrenic symptoms seem to worsen. In this case, the physician may prescribe antidepressant medications to help in relieving the symptoms.

Sometimes, either the families of the patients or the patients, themselves, become apprehensive about the Antipsychotic medications which are used in treating schizophrenia. They are concerned about the side effects of these drugs. Some of these side effects may include: drowsiness, muscle spasms, tremor, restlessness, dry mouth, or vision blurring. However, side effects may be corrected by using lower doses of the medications or using other medications to control the side effects. Another concern which bothers both patients and their families is that the medication could lead to addiction. Since the Antipsychotic medications will not produce an euphoric state (a .high.) or any additional addictive behavior, these medications are safe in this regards.

One other major worry is in regards to the Antipsychotic medications affecting patients as a .chemical straitjacket. used to control their minds. However, when these drugs are taken at the appropriate dosage, they will not immobilize patients nor take their free will. Although the Antipsychotic Drug can act as a sedative (which is useful when the patient is very agitated), it is used in diminishing hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and agitation during psychotic episodes. When physician, patient, and patient.s family are involved with the patient.s treatment for schizophrenia, the Antipsychotic Drug is an effective tool in helping patients recover and increasing their abilities to cope more rationally with the world around them.

Furthermore, mental illness is a common disorder, striking one in four adults or approximately 57.7 million Americans yearly. Additionally, those plagued with more serious mental illnesses (about 6 percent or 1 in 17 Americans) become unable to function normally in their daily lives and routines (National Institute of Mental Health). Among children and adolescents in the United States, 10 percent undergo serious mental and emotional disorders that significantly interfere with their lives at home, school, and with friends (U.S. Surgeon General). These statistics make Mental Illness Treatment critically important to the individual, society, and nation.

After the necessary full physical and mental evaluation to properly diagnose the specific type of mental illness, the treatment plan should be individually tailored to the patient. There are many types, too: Depression types, such as bipolar and major; anxiety disorders; schizophrenia; panic disorders; eating disorders; borderline personality disorders; and, along with these listed, up to 200 classified types. Some of these mental problems are caused by biological sources and then, some physical problems are caused by emotional sources, which assuredly necessitates both physical and mental exams and evaluations.

Mental Illness Treatment can include the following forms of Psychotherapy: Behavior Therapy, which includes stress management, biofeedback, and relaxation training to change thought patterns and behaviors; Cognitive Therapy, which helps in identifying and correcting thoughts that lead to troubled feelings and/or behavior; Psychoanalysis, which is long-term therapy aimed at discovering hidden motivations, early patterns, and how to resolve present day issues; Family Therapy, which gives the patient.s family time to share their feelings and thoughts and to help each in problem solving; Movement/Art/Music Therapy, which uses movement or dance, art, and/or music for emotional expression and is effective for those patients who are unable to express their feelings; and, Group Therapy, which involves interaction with a smaller group of people who share and discuss personal issues and help one another with their problems, all under the guidance of a trained therapist.

Mental Illness Treatment will include drug therapy; and, there are many available medications according to the type of mental illness, its degree, and the physical condition and age of the patient. Every medication will have possible side effects including negative interactions from taking it with certain foods, other medications, and/or alcohol. Medications should always be taken in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed times, and daily monitored. Another treatment may involve Electric Convulsive Treatment (ECT) which treats those mental conditions that prove more difficult to treat effectively with psychotherapy and/or medications. If ECT is considered, the patient and family need to discuss the side effects and risks of ECT thoroughly with the physician, psychiatrist and/or therapist.

Whatever treatment is finally chosen, the patient will be monitored throughout treatment with periodic examinations, tests, and follow up evaluations to maintain continuous proper diagnoses and treatments. Also, in being involved with psychotherapy, family and peer support groups, and any available community services, the patient will eventually grow better physically and mentally. Mental illness recovery consistently remains the chief goal of Mental Illness Treatment.

Dopamine, similar to adrenaline, affects the processes in the brain which control movement, emotional reaction, and capacity to experience pleasure and pain. Customarily, Antipsychotic Medication, or dopamine antagonists, will often be used to treat schizophrenia and associated mental disorders. Those who have schizophrenia may have an overactive dopamine system. Dopamine antagonists help in regulating the system by decreasing the dopamine activity.

Antipsychotic Medication also has two classifications.typical and atypical. In the 1950s, the first drugs used in treating schizophrenia and psychosis were the typical antipsychotics. These are also known as conventional or first generation antipsychotics. Typical Antipsychotics can be very effective but the side effects are risky. One of these side effects is tardive dyskinesia, a disorder which has such features as grimacing, rapid eye blinking, tongue protrusion, lip smacking and involuntary movements of the limbs or fingers. Typical antipsychotics include: chlorpromazine (Thorazine); trfluopeazine (Stelazine); haloperidol (Haldol); trifluopeazine (Stelazine); fluphenazine (Prolixin); molidone (Moban); thiothixene (Navane); thioridazine (Mellaril); loxapine (Loxatane); perphenazine (Trilafon); chlorpromazine (Thorazine); mesoridazine (Serentil); and haloperidol (Haldol).

Atypical antipsychotics are the newer antipsychotic drugs which work as effectively as the older drugs; however, they result in fewer side effects. These medications are also known as second generation. Atypical antipsychotics include the following: quetiapine (Seroquel) ziprazodone (Geodon); risperdone (Risperdal); olanzepine (Zyprexa); and aripiprazole (Abilify). The atypical antipsychotic drug aripiprazole (Abilify) is the most current Antipsychotic Medication made available to people. This medication balances the dopamine levels in the brain instead of blocking (or decreasing) it.

In 1990, clozapine became the first atypical Antipsychotic introduced in the United States. With the newer medications the risk of tardive dyskinesia is ten times less. In the United States the atypical antipsychotics are preferred over the typical antipsychotics. These medications are very effective, yet they are also expensive, more so than the first generation drugs. However, atypical antipsychotic drugs have side effects which also can negatively affect patients. As time passes, certain unwanted side effects are becoming more evident. These side effects include unhealthy weight gain and changes in endocrine and metabolic syndrome, which increases the risks of coronary disease, obesity, and diabetes 2.

Other side effects may appear during the earlier stages of the drug treatments. Some of these side effects which may distress patients may include drowsiness, dry mouth, restlessness, blurring vision, muscle spasms, and restlessness. The majority of the side effects can be decreased by either lowering the medication dosage or using other drugs. Since individual patients do have differing responses to treatment and may experience different side effects to the various antipsychotic drugs, patients may react better with some medications than others.

In taking the Antipsychotic Medication, patients need to follow their treatment plans closely. In consistently taking their prescribed medication/medications in the specified dosage at the correct times, patients are adhering to their treatment plans. However, this is only one element of their treatment plans. The other element involves attending their clinic appointments, following any other treatment procedures which may be necessary, and maintaining family, friend, and peer group support. Since relapse becomes the usual result of either irregularly taking the medications or stopping them, patients need to work with their physicians and families who can help them stay focused on becoming better. Furthermore, Antipsychotic Medication is one of the most important means of getting there.

Antipsychotics are used to treat such psychotic disorders as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic depression. The typical antipsychotic drugs are generally thought to have worse side effects than the atypical antipsychotic drugs. One of these worse side effects is one which is known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms, such as the following: muscle stiffness; odd body or facial movements; continuing muscle spasms; agitation; and tremors (shakiness).

However, these older medications may be as safe and as tolerable as the newer medications. Typical medications might have more side effects due to the fact that the doses were larger. This finding is according to a research study taken by CATIE (Clinical Antipsychotic Trials in Intervention Effectiveness) which is a research program studying the effectiveness of treatment and its results in schizophrenia and Alzheimer.s disease. Yet, there still remains some controversy concerning this topic.

Furthermore, it seems as if the typical antipsychotic medications have been less as effective in treating schizophrenia and its negative symptoms, such as: apathy (uncaring attitude); lack of facial expression or personality (.flat. expression); lack of communication; and without taking pleasure in activities normally pleasing). In this regards, the atypical antipsychotic medications have been more effective in treating the schizophrenic disorder and its negative symptoms. There is also controversy concerning this issue, as well. Of course, atypical antipsychotic drugs also have their own side effects. Among these side effects are the increased risks of unhealthy weight gain and of developing diabetes. The older medications do not have these side effects.

The atypical antipsychotic clozapine may well be the most effective of all the Antipsychotics, especially for those patients who have not responded well to the other antipsychotic drugs. However, there exists one major drawback with this medication; it can cause the dangerous side effect of agranulocytosis, which is the loss of white blood cells (these fight off infections in the body). Because of this risk, patients will need careful monitoring of their white blood cell counts every 7 to 14 days. As a result of this, the added inconvenience and cost of both blood tests and medication by itself makes the treatment with clozapine more difficult for quite a few people.

Since individuals respond so differently to different medications, a .trial and error. system must be in place. The physician will try different Antipsychotics or combinations of them with each patient, monitoring the patient closely until the antipsychotic drug or drugs are found which work the best. Of course, this process may take some time; however, the more thorough it is, the more beneficial to the patient.

Another factor regarding typical and atypical medications is the fact that the typical medications are much less expensive than the atypical ones; the newer medications are definitely more expensive. Also, since the medications can be too expensive for some people, sometimes patients or their families may hesitate to purchase them. Furthermore, patients with severe psychotic disorders may be unable to work and be considered disabled. In either case, public assistance through Medicaid or other programs, national, state, or local, can help. Indeed, the Antipsychotics are of primary importance in the mental recovery and well-being of the patient and there are those who truly and fully support this outcome.

Of course, with depression, a person will feel discouraged, sad, and hopeless. However, when these feelings last longer than two weeks, interfering with daily activities such as working, taking care of family, or spending time with friends, then it has grown into a major depressive episode. .

In 2009 approximately 40 million American adults had been diagnosed with some type of depression. Depression disorders have cost the public millions of dollars and the cost is increased if it also includes the loss of functioning, loss in mental and physical health, and even loss of lives due to suicide. All ages are affected, as well; from the very young to the very old. Signs of depression begin to appear between the ages of 15 and 30; Americans who are 45 to 64 usually have it more often; 7 million adults over age 65 experience some type of it; approximately 2 million adolescents have it; and one in 33 children are affected by it.

Types of depressive disorders.major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.can also coincide with anxiety disorders. Some of these anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Approximately 40 million adults in the U.S. are plagued by anxiety disorders. They respond well to treatment, however only about one-third of anxiety disorder affected individuals will receive treatment. Both disorders can develop from many factors, including personality, genetics, brain chemistry, life events, and personality.

Depression And Anxiety disorders are not the same, however those who do have a depression disorder often experience symptoms similar to those of anxiety disorders. Some of these will include nervousness, problems with sleeping or concentration, and irritability. However, depressive and anxiety disorders will each have their own causes and particular behavioral and emotional symptoms, which may or may not be similar.

Furthermore, many who develop depressive disorders have once had an anxiety disorder earlier in their lives. Although many do suffer from both disorders, no evidence points to either illness causing the other. In treatment, the disorder that causes the most distress will be the one that may be treated first. For example, a social anxiety disorder could interfere with an individual.s ability to socialize with friends and family, and, thus, cause the depressive disorder to increase. In order to make the mood improve, the physician will first begin treating the anxiety disorder.

However, the depressive disorder, if severe, may take precedence, needing treatment in order for the anxiety disorder to receive treatment. Of course, treatment will be specifically tailored to each particular disorder. Some treatment plans will involve psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which will help the person with replacing negative thought patterns with more hopeful and useful ones. This therapy will also help the individual focus on particular steps to overcome both depressive and anxiety disorders. Medications will also be used in treating symptoms of both disorders; research has discovered that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications have been successful in treating both disorders. Other medicines may be used, as well. Finally, with Depression and Anxiety both joined in an effective treatment plan, the individual may feel recovery is not just possible, but absolutely probable.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder which affects an individual.s moods, thoughts, emotions, energy, and body. Certainly, bipolar disorder affects an individual.s beliefs and attitudes, as well. Anger, anxiety, impatience, hopelessness, and lack of interest show up many times as symptoms of the disease. Bipolar Treatment teaches bipolar patients to recognize when their thoughts and feelings have become distorted. From the treatment, they also learn what steps to take in correcting their thoughts and feelings. Patients will begin to learn to set and reach goals; plan their health treatment according to their needs; to build on their strengths and their abilities; and to live a life without the interference of bipolar symptoms.

Bipolar Treatments may include psychotherapy, medications, peer support, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy and it is an important step in recovery. It can help patients deal with the issues in their lives and learn new techniques in coping with their illness. Psychotherapy can also help patients in understanding their illness, overcoming their fears or insecurities, coping with stress, making sense of past traumatic events, separating their true personality from the disorder.s mood swings, improving familial and friend relationships, establishing a stable and dependable routine, and developing a plan for coping with crises. Of course, these are only some of the issues with which the therapy assists patients.

In Bipolar Treatments, the medical health professional may prescribe one or more of the following psychiatric medications to treat bipolar symptoms: mood stabilizers, which help balance the extreme shift in moods; antidepressants, which help in easing the symptoms of depression; and antipsychotics, which are used to treat symptoms of mania and will help steady racing thoughts.

Another treatment involves peer support. Somehow, interaction with others who understand helps in recovery. Learning from their experiences, their failures and successes, and their hopes and dreams can prove to be a true source of strength and support. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA . dbsalliance.org) is an organization which offers several sources for peer interaction. These include support groups, an interactive chat room, and discussion forum.all steps to recovery.

One of the Bipolar Treatments will be lifestyle changes. Part of this will be setting goals. Being able to identify goals is a big step towards recovery since it envisions a future. Envisioning a future means patients will stay motivated to reach their goals. Goals can be short-term or long-term, big or little, depending on where they are in recovery. At first, patients may only be able to set little goals, such as waking up at a certain time or doing a certain chores. In setting these small, short-term goals and achieving them, patients will be encouraged to set more goals and achieve them, as well. Eventually, larger and long-term goals will be set and reached as success builds on success. Another life-style change will involve healthy lifestyle choices such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. Each and every one of these Bipolar Treatments become vital recovery elements in the .journey of healing and transformation. for the patient with bipolar disorder.

However they do have a common genetic basis, so that if schizophrenia is found in a particular family, bipolar disease is also more likely to affect family members. A grandfather with schizophrenia might well have a granddaughter with bipolar disorder. This can often lead to an incorrect diagnosis, where the symptoms are ‘recognized’ as those of the already diagnosed disorder.

Because they are different diseases, they need to be diagnosed correctly so that the right treatment can be received. An incorrect diagnosis can be dangerous, as the treatment for the two diseases is very different, particularly with regard to the medications that need to be administered.

Bipolar disorder may display hallucinations in the manic phase which are similar to those experienced by schizophrenics. These are generally experienced only by those suffering an extreme form of the disorder, though. Only 10 to 20 percent of bipolar disorder patients hallucinate; hallucinations occur in over 60 percent of cases of schizophrenia.

Bipolar disorder, in the manic phase, may also display delusions which are connected with the person’s feelings of immense power and creativity. For instance he may feel that he understands everything that is happening in the stock markets, even in the face of evidence that contradicts that assertion.

Delusions of grandeur are often found in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Schizophrenics also have delusions, which may greatly affect their behavior.

At the same time, schizophrenia has highs and lows, with depressive and manic episodes that resemble those found in bipolar disorder. Depressive symptoms such as apathy, low energy, and emotional withdrawal, are often found in schizophrenia and markedly resemble the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

One major difference is that someone who has bipolar disorder is not always in a manic or depressive phase; they will have periods during which they do not experience either highs or lows, and during which they do not have delusions or hallucinations. A schizophrenic, on the other hand, will display disordered thinking continually, without ‘normal’ episodes.

There are some differences between the way the symptoms display themselves, though. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder generally recall either depression or, less often, mania as their initial experience of the disorder; it is very rare that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions are the first manifestation of the disorder, Classically, schizophrenic delusions are often strange and bizarre, rather than the delusions of grandeur that occur in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

Because both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia display common characteristics, it is easy for non-medical professionals to confuse the two. Even generalist physicians have been known to misdiagnose, so that a psychiatrist should generally be involved in the diagnosis to avoid mistakes.

The treatment for the two diseases does share some drugs, with some of the antipsychotics prescribed for schizophrenia also used to control acute manic presentations of bipolar disorder. However, the overall treatment is generally different. Drugs that are effective for one will not work effectively on the other condition. For instance, clorazil is generally used to control schizophrenia, while lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and prevent manic episodes. Neither drug will have a beneficial effect on the other condition.

In fact some drugs used to control schizophrenia, such as first-generation neuroleptics, actually make bipolar disorder worse.

Accurate diagnosis is therefore important before any treatment program is undertaken.