Posted by Eric Tindall on Sep 28, 2017
Dr. Melvin McInnis from the U of M Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund, was the speaker at our lunch on September 28, 2017.
 
Dr. Melven explained, "Bipolar disorder, is a medical condition marked by significant changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. A person's mood can alternate between the "poles" of mania (highs) and depression (lows). This change in mood or "mood swing" can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and can result in significant problems in areas such as relationships, work, and finances. The turmoil of bipolar disorder is often devastating to careers and personal or social relationships, affecting the whole person and their family. Death by suicide occurs in up to 20 percent of individuals with this illness."
 
Common symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder:
  • Feelings of elation, hyper, “high”
  • Increase in activity & energy
  • Excessive irritability
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Decreased need for sleep without fatigue
  • Grandiose beliefs, inflated sense of powers and abilities
  • Pressured/rapid speech
  • Racing thoughts
  • Poor concentration, distractibility
  • Impulsiveness
  • Increased sexual drive
  • Spending sprees
  • Delusions and/or hallucinations
Common symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder:
  • Prolonged sadness
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Irritability
  • Loss of energy
  • Decrease interest in typically pleasurable activities including sex
  • Change in appetite, unintentional weight gain/loss
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Restlessness or moving slowly
  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
  • Poor concentration
  • Unexplained physical pain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Dr. Marven described, despite all the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder a person with it, can be cured.
 
Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund Web-page: http://www.prechterfund.org/
 
Dr. Marven - Bipolar