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Bi-Polar Disorder
For decades, the medical community has addressed Bi-Polar Disorder, formerly more commonly known as manic depression, as an illness of the mind. In recent years however, many now believe that Bi-Polar Disorder is a brain chemical disorder.
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Manic-depressive disorder, medically termed bipolar mood disorder, is a variant of classic depression. It typically begins as a depression and then develops into alternating periods of depression and mania. A person with severe manic-depression disorder may go from feeling unrealistically (and dangerously) invincible and elated to being overwhelmed with misery and despair, even suicidal.
Some of the symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder are changes in sleep pattern, withdrawal from society, extreme pessimism, a sudden loss of interest in and failure to finish projects that were started with enthusiams, chronic irritablity, sudden attacks of rage when crossed, loss of inhibition and changes in sexual behavior that may range from complete loss of sex drive to sexual excess.
The
course of manic-depressive disorder is highly variable. Both mania and
depression can vary in severity, and the length of cycles, from depression
to mania and bac
k
again, can occur over the course of a few days or over many months -
or throughout an entire life time if gone untreated.
Low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness characterize the depressive phase. A person experiencing depression may lack the energy or motivation to do anything, including get out of bed. Some people simply sleep for weeks, withdraw from everything and become unable to work. Others may seem to be living normal lives - going to work, interacting with others - but inwardly feel a deadening sadness and are unable to experience genuine pleasure.
| The periods of mania often start suddenly and without warning. Some people experience what is called hypomania, excitement that does not necessarily appear to be a sign of mental illness - just great enthusiasm and energy. Others experience full-blown manic psychosis, in which they have seemingly boundless energy, are ceaselessly active and are often, easily distracted. | They may not want to rest or sleep for twenty-four hours or more with little to no desire to eat. Mental activity is sharply accelerated; and delusions of grandeur, persecution, or invincibility are not uncommon. Most people in this state seem to be utterly elated for no apparent reason, but some become unreasonaly irritable and hostile. Despite all this, a person experiencing full-blown mania generally believes that he or she is functioning at peak efficiency. |
To many, the cause of this disorder is not well understood, but there are several theories as to its origin. Some believe it may be triggered by extreme stress. Heredity may be a factor in some cases while some researchers believe that early experiences, such as the loss of a parent or other early childhood trauma, play an important role.
Others
believe that the manic phase is (unconsciously) insued as a kind of
psychological compensation for the depression that otherwise engulfs
the individual. Biological factors are also possible. There is evidence
that concentrations of intracellular sodium increase during the mood
swings of bipolar disorder, then return to normal after recovery. It
is also known that in depressed individuals, brain chemicals called
monoamines are depleted.
This information can be found within "Prescriptions for Nutritional
Healing," Third Edition, authors Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James
F. Balch, M.D.
As a result, we move beyond the traditional Western medical model by diving
deeply into the root causes of these dis-eases.We
assist parents and educators in understanding the underlining factors
that are causing an unprecedent growing number of intelligent and gifted
children often referred to as indigo
children who have learning and behavioral challenges. See
Our Nation's Children for details.
We facilitate a comprehensive
wellness program that facilitates the holistic healing
of these disorders; offering adults and parents a realistic option to
drug therapy in person at the Brighton Center of Natural Medicine
and through Tcha's new manual:
In
Tcha's upcoming book,
|
A
GuidePurchase your copy in advance
on-line for $19.95
by calling 1-866-823-1933
Have
questions about
ADD,
ADHD
or
Bi-Polar
Disorder
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tcha@
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