Bipolar Affective Disorder-Reg.

Hi there Going by diagnostic guidelines, for a illness to be called bipolar illness, following are the required (in a simplified language for better understanding): 1. Usually an episodic illness with atleast 2 episodes till date 2. Primarily a disorder of mood which can be seen as either a. upward deviation called as mania which is characterized by hyperactivity or b. downwards deviation called as depression which is diagnosed with low mood, decreased energy etc. 3. For illness to be called bipolar, there should be atleast one episode of mania (either currently or in past). If you are fulfilling these and moreover if a qualified mental health professional has diagnosed you as suffering from this illness, then most likely that is the case.

Regarding duration of treatment, it depends upon the no of episodes. For more than 3-4 episodes life long treatment is required.

If treatment with medicines keep us healthy and risk free, it's always better to take medicines.