Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago when Phil, her boyfriend of 9 years, broke-up with her. It was a difficult moment for her especially after she learned that Phil eventually married her cousin. Since then, Nancy had deteriorated. One evening, she was involved in a motor vehicular accident because she was driving fast and recklessly in a quiet suburban neighborhood.


During interrogation, the cops noted that Nancy was talking rapidly and nobody could interrupt her. Also, she was making jokes and laughing so loud. She further indicated to them that she was on her way to meet the President and his top officials about her invention that could cure the oil crunch. She eventually ended

Heroin Abuse - An Increasingly Serious Problem In The USA
...as well as contracting an array of diseases, such as HIV/AIDS from infected needles, and hepatitis. Depending on the kind of heroin used, blood vessels may become clogged, infections arise, or pulmonary reactions surface. Getting Help for Heroin Addiction Since ...
up in the emergency room where she was diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder after intensive evaluation.



Bipolar disorder or manic-depression is manifested by highs and lows. When a patient like Nancy is on the manic side, there is a persistent feeling of euphoria or irritability associated with lack of need for sleep, excessive energy, agitation, fast and loud speech, increase in goal-directed activities such as spending sprees and establishing businesses with no appropriate plan, and hypersexuality.


Patients with this disorder develop poor judgment and impulsivity. They become irritable and can lash out easily even if not provoked. Some patients have delusions of grandeur. When this happens, patients think that they have special powers, talents, and influence.


When not manic,

Drug And Alcohol Rehab
...debatable point, but it is a difficult task for any addict. There are numerous programs that provide drug rehabilitation including: out-patient, residential treatment (in-patient), extended care centers, local support groups and half-way houses. Drug rehabilitation is part of the criminal ...
patients either feel normal or depressed. Depression in bipolar disorder has the same manifestation as major depression that consists of feelings of sadness associated with neurovegetative signs and symptoms such as inability to sleep, eat, and concentrate. Energy level is also impaired. In addition, patients experience a feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness. Suicidal ideation may ensue.


For individuals who develop mania, does it always mean that they suffer from bipolar disorder?


Not necessarily. Mania can be caused by various medical and neurologic conditions. For instance, multiple sclerosis and stroke can present with manic symptoms. Moreover, medications and street drugs may precipitate mania. Steroids, cocaine, and amphetamine are some examples. Even some antidepressants can induce mania.


So when a person

Registered Nuts - Psych 101
...crew comes ambling in. Each one reluctantly glances at the census board and are visibly shaken when they notice it full. 2 of which are patients they'd already seen the day before for the very same, non-urgent complaints. They didn't ...
shows mania, the physician usually does intensive evaluation to rule out medical, neurologic, and medication-induced conditions before diagnosing bipolar disorder. This process is important because the treatment varies depending upon the cause. Once other conditions are ruled out, then bipolar disorder can be safely diagnosed and treated.


Copyright 2004. Dr. Michael G. Rayel author (First Aid to Mental Illness Finalist, Reader s Preference Choice Award 2002) psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: An EQ Game. For info, visit http://www.oikosgame.com and http://www.soardime.com