Hi there,
There is a wealth of information out there on this topic. I'll address
each of your questions in turn, by providing some quotes that
summarise current opinions, and adding any relevant links for further
reading. Each site that I link to is worthy of further exploration.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE?
==================
"There is no single, proven cause of bipolar disorder, but research
strongly suggests that it is often an inherited problem related to a
lack of stability in the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.
This biochemical problem makes people with bipolar disorder more
vulnerable to emotional and physical stresses. If there is an
upsetting life experience, substance use, lack of sleep, or other
excessive stimulation, the normal brain mechanisms for restoring calm
functioning don't always work properly.
This theory of an inborn vulnerability interacting with an
environmental trigger is similar to theories proposed for many other
medical conditions. In heart disease, for example, a person might
inherit a tendency to have high cholesterol or high blood pressure,
which cause gradual damage to the heart's supply of oxygen. During
stress, such as physical exertion or emotional tension, the person
might suddenly develop chest pain or have a heart attack if the oxygen
supply becomes too low. As with heart disease and other medical
conditions, treatment for bipolar disorder focuses on taking the right
medications and making life-style changes to reduce the risk of mood
episodes."
http://www.psychguides.com/bphe.html
"While there are many biological factors associated with mania and
depression, none of them has been proven to be a cause or to be
diagnostic of bipolar disorder.
At least 50% of people with bipolar disorder have a parent with a mood
disorder, most often major depressive disorder. A person has a 30%
chance of inheriting a mood disorder if one parent has bipolar
disorder, and a 60% chance if both parents have it. Research has found
an even greater risk among twins, especially identical twins, who have
a parent with bipolar disorder."
http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/bipolar/causes.shtml
Diagram showing areas of the brain affected:
http://212.53.69.3/BipolarDisorder/bipolardisordera.html
BiPolarBrain.com
http://www.bipolarbrain.com/SoWhatsBipolarIllness.html#What%20Causes%20Bipolar
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
======================
This illness used to be called Manic Depression, and these are the two
main symptoms. Although each set of symptoms generally appear during
the appropriate phase, they can also be mixed.
MANIA:
Increased social or work activity
Increased talking, rapid speech
Spending sprees
Reckless driving
Aggressive, provocative, and intrusive behavior
Belief in exaggerated or unrealistic abilities or powers
Decreased need for sleep
Denial that anything is wrong
Drug abuse, alcohol abuse
Easily irritated and distracted
Feeling extremely "high," or euphoric
Hyperactivity
Racing thoughts and rapid or pressured speech
Sustained period of uncharacteristic behavior
Uncharacteristically poor judgment
Unusually active sex drive
DEPRESSION:
Anxiety
Being unable to think or concentrate
Guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, remember, or make decisions
Irritability
Lack of appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight
gain
Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
Loss of energy - moving slowly - fatigue
Sadness
Sleep disturbance (i.e., too little, too much, or waking up and not
being able to go back to sleep)
Thoughts and attempts of suicide
The above are compiled from:
NOAH Health
http://www.noah-health.org/english/illness/mentalhealth/cornell/conditions/bipol.html#Symptoms
Mental Health Channel
http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/bipolar/causes.shtml
WHAT ARE THE MEDICATIONS / SIDE EFFECTS?
========================================
Apart from medication, education and psychotherapy can also be useful.
These are the most commonly prescribed medications. The links go to
what I consider to be the best resource for unbiased information on
medications, with lots of detail on side effects, RxList. I believe
all possible side effects should be taken seriously, so I won't
attempt to summarize them here.
Lithium
Lithium is a simple salt, and not an invention, which makes it quite
unusual amongst medications aimed at the brain - it is also the most
common bipolar treatment. It treats both manic and depressive episodes
and can be used on its own. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for
lithium to produce the desired effect. It is also significantly
reduces the likelihood of suicide.
Side effects: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lithium_ad.htm
Valproate and Carbamazapine are both anti-seizure drugs, which have
also been found to reduce manic symptoms. Lithium, Carbamazapine and
Valproate each have different chemical actions in the body - so if one
is not proving to be effective, it is worthwhile to try another. They
are often prescribed together.
Side effects of Valproate:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/valproate_ad.htm
Side effects of Carbamazapine:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/carbam_ad.htm
Other treatments for manic episodes are Benzodiazepines and
Antipsychotic medications.
More info at:
Mental Health Channel:
http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/bipolar/treatments.shtml
Lexi-Comp:
http://212.53.69.3/BipolarDisorder/bipolardisordert.html
HOW DO PARENTS COPE?
====================
The best way of coping is to be informed, and have others to share
thoughts and feelings with, like in a support group.
Apart from the links in this answer, there are a number of books
available:
http://www.geocities.com/nmsaucier/PTP_BP.html
Here is a small article which mentions some positve aspects of being
the parent of a bipolar child:
http://www.geocities.com/nmsaucier/ART_UDBPP.html
Asking questions and sharing thoughts with people in a similar
situation can be achieved via Google Groups:
http://groups.google.com/groups?group=alt.support.depression.manic.moderated
Or a mailing list like Bipolar Significant Others:
http://www.bpso.org/
The best way out there in the real world would be contact your local
chapter of National DMDA:
"Founded in 1986 by and for persons with depressive illnesses and
their families, National DMDA is the largest illness-specific,
patient-run organization in the nation. A nonprofit corporation,
National DMDA is guided by a Scientific Advisory Board of some 60
distinguished researchers and practicing mental health professionals;
a national Board of Directors comprised of patients and family
members; and a grassroots network of 275 chapters throughout the
United States, Canada, and countries overseas.
Support groups are a major function of local DMDA chapters. The groups
have medical advisors and appointed facilitators, most of them
patients or family members. Some chapters have lending libraries,
fund-raisers, newsletters, and organized activities ranging from
seminars to softball games.
The mission of National DMDA is to educate patients, families,
professionals and the public concerning the nature of depressive and
manic-depressive illnesses as medical diseases; to foster self-help
for patients and families; to eliminate discrimination and stigma; to
improve access to care; and to advocate for research toward the
elimination of these illnesses."
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501
Chicago IL, 60610-3526
800-82-NDMDA (800-826-3632)
The above info is from PsychGuides:
http://www.psychguides.com/bphe.html
HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUNG CHILDREN AS THEY GROW UP?
==================================================
"Deficits in shifting and sustaining attention, as well as
difficulties inhibiting motor activity once initiated, can strongly
influence both classroom behavior and the establishment of stable peer
relationships. Distractibility, daydreaming, impulsiveness,
mischievous bursts of energy that are difficult for the child to
control, and sudden intrusions and interruptions in the classroom are
also common features of the COBPD [Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder].
Stubborn, oppositional, and bossy behavior, usually appearing between
the ages of six to eight, pose significant problems for parents,
educators, and peers. Risk-taking, disobedience to authority figures,
and the likelihood of becoming addicted to psychoactive drugs such as
marijuana and cocaine also present serious concerns to those affected
by a child with COBPD. Furthermore, a high percentage of children with
COBPD have co-occurring learning disabilities, a problem that can
negatively affect school performance and self-esteem. "
from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
http://www.nami.org/helpline/bipolar-child.html
Teenage Symptoms:
http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/bipolar.htm
HOW CAN TEACHERS HELP?
======================
The National PTA says teachers should:
"Be patient with children who have or may have bipolar disorder.
Educate themselves about bipolar disorder. Contact organizations such
as the National DMDA or the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation for
educational materials or referrals to patient and family support
groups.
Be ready to discuss with parents the importance of obtaining a correct
diagnosis and the options for special care that are available at
school.
Educate fellow staff members about recognizing mood disorders and
other mental illnesses. National DMDA's Speakers Bureau may have
presenters in your area who can speak to students, staff, and parents.
Work to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.
Communicate to children, families, and school officials that there is
no shame in having bipolar disorder. If children demonstrate demeaning
attitudes and/or use labels like "crazy" or "nuts," correct them.
Take any threats of suicide or self-harm seriously. Stress that the
young person's life is important to you and others. A frank and
pointed question about suicide will not plant thoughts in someone's
head. Be attentive and concerned, and don't promise secrecy. If a
teacher is worried about a child's well-being, his or her family
should be contacted. If a teacher believes immediate self-harm is
possible, he or she should contact a hospital emergency room."
http://www.pta.org/parentinvolvement/helpchild/oc_bipolar.asp
An extensive, authorative article is at the BPKids website:
http://www.bpkids.org/learning/educating.htm
Individual Education Plan, from the book "The Bipolar Child"
http://www.bipolarchild.com/iep.html
WHAT DO DOCTORS SAY OR LOOK FOR?
================================
In my opinion, head straight to the best specialist you can afford -
one who specializes in bipolar disorder. Especially with children, one
misdiagnosis could affect them for decades. The diagnosis will revolve
around accurate descriptions of the moods and actions of the patient,
and the way the specialist interprets them. There are no lab tests in
this scenario.
"Sadly, many people with bipolar disorder are never diagnosed, or are
diagnosed improperly. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the
disorder can become worse. Possible results could be placement in a
psychiatric hospital or residential treatment center, sentencing in
the juvenile justice system, drug abuse, accidents, and suicide.
...see a psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation. This involves
giving the doctor a thorough history of past and present experiences.
...Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be difficult. As yet, there aren't
any laboratory tests like a brain scan or blood test that will
diagnose this condition. In teens, bipolar disorder can be mistaken
for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress
disorder."
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/bipolar_p5.html
Also, look at this page on Mood Charts as a useful diagnostic tool:
"The Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation recommends that parents
keep a daily chart of their child's mood, sleep, energy, medications,
psychotherapy sessions, and statements or events of concern. Over
time, this chart becomes a valuable record that can be extremely
helpful to professionals, parents, and (as the child matures) the
child themselves."
http://www.bpkids.org/learning/mood.htm
More on diagnosis from BPSO:
http://www.bpso.org/practice.htm#DIAGNOSIS
Search Strategy:
Google Directory
http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Mental_Health/Disorders/Mood/Bipolar_Disorder/
On a final note, just a reminder that I am not a medical practitioner
(see the disclaimer at the bottom of the page), but as a Google
Researcher who has Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder, I have investigated
a lot of the above previously, in depth, for my own purposes.
Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga |
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