Having bipolar disorder can make life difficult. Bipolar disorder (previously called manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's temper, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it hard to carry out day-to-day tasks. They are easily distracted, easily irritated, and carry illogical thinking. They experience severe high and low moods.

These are called manic (or hypomanic) and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is commonly misdiagnosed as unipolar depression (major depressive disorder) as depressive episodes share symptoms with major depression. The term 'unipolar' means that this form of depression does not cycle through other mental states, such as mania. In contrast, bipolar conditions cause periods of both depression and mania. An incorrect diagnosis of unipolar depression carries the risk of inappropriate management with antidepressants, which can result in manic episodes and trigger rapid cycling.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can also be confused, but they are different chronic mental health disorders. Some of the symptoms can overlap. However, bipolar disorder primarily causes extreme mood shifts, whereas schizophrenia causes delusions and hallucinations. Scientists probably did not fully understand how the condition arises or exactly how lithium improves the symptoms of bipolar patients when it does work. Recently doctors have added new medicine to make a breakthrough in therapy.

People with Bipolar Disorder may struggle with maintaining an idealistic relationship due to the many symptoms accompanying the diagnosis. The first step is to get diagnosed and treated for the condition. It is said that bipolar is an illness, not a hopeless destination. Many with bipolar disorders can have healthy relationships with the right treatment. If one's spouse fully accepts the diagnosis and resolves to get treatment, the couple could begin working together and survive the marriage.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org