-
![]()
-
![]()
Advanced
10
5
SA
ENGLISH
TH
Having bip
oesn't have to
With t
such as Beetho-
All suffered fro
treatment, the
can't live a n
66 The Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder
L
ife in the modern world can be confusing and fast-paced. Every day, our
brains are forced to make sense of an endless stream of information from
the Internet, TV, and newspapers. As if that weren't enough, we must balance our
social and work schedules while still making time for our families. It's no wonder
that many people sometimes feel overwhelmed by the ups and downs of their life.
But for people with (bipolar disorder, this roller coaster ride never seems to end. Yet
many people suffering from this disease don't even know they have it.
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people have trouble controlling their
moods. Instead of having a balanced temperament, patients often move between
extreme excitement and depression. In less serious cases, it can cause a person
to be overly energetic and talkative throughout the day. It could also make the
sufferer become anxious about minor things that wouldn't bother most people. In
severe cases, people can become extremely depressed and lose their will to live.
sbu
Scientists are still unsure why people develop bipolar disorder, but many
15 believe it is caused by a combination of internal and external factors. They believe
it comes from a chemical imbalance in the body, which may be genetic. But when
this is combined with high levels of pressure, bipolar disorder seems to worsen.
Re
Since bipolar disorder is complex, it can be difficult to treat. One approach
to get it under control is through medication. The drug lithium is often prescribed,
20 since it can control patients' moods in both the manic and depressive stages.
Psychotherapy is also used to help people change the negative thoughts that
frequently accompany their severe mood swings.
196
