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Coming to terms with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder can be a frightening and overwhelming time for not only those who suffer with it, but also for their friends and family.

This post aims to provide factual information on bipolar affective disorder, treatments available, information and support for anyone affected by bipolar disorder.

Bipolar affective disorder is psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. Despite research, there is no general consensus as to what causes bipolar affective disorder. Genetics, brain chemistry and life events are all said to contribute to onset of bipolar affective disorder.

Every one of us can experience the 'ups and downs' of everyday life, but for people suffering with bipolar affective disorder these ups and downs are more extreme and prolonged, affecting not only their mood, but their thoughts, behaviour and ability to function in life.

Who Does It Affect?

It is estimated that around one in every hundred people are diagnosed with having Bipolar Affective Disorder. It often begins in late adolescence and can often appear as depression during the teenage years, although it can start at any stage of a person's life.

Both men and women are equally affected by bipolar affective disorder and it is prevalent amongst all ethnic groups and socioeconomic groups.

Of those people diagnosed 10-15% have close relatives with a mood disorder. It is important to remember that bipolar affective disorder not only affects the lives of those who have the disorder but also can dramatically affect the lives of those people closest to them, family, friends and colleagues.

Difficulties In Treating Bipolar Affective Disorder

Mood patterns in bipolar affective disorder are not predictable, it is therefore not always possible to tell if an episode is responding to treatment or naturally coming to an end. A person with bipolar affective disorder is not always reliable or may not always have the insight to report their symptoms correctly. The medications used to treat bipolar affective disorder are often accompanied by unpleasant side-effects, this can increase the risk for non compliance with treatment. Bipolar affective disorder is often misdiagnosed, this can be for a number of reasons such as a person may only seek help when suffering with an episode of depression, a person with psychotic symptoms may appear to be suffering with schizophrenia, therefore they may not receive the correct treatment which may exacerbate their symptoms.

Family and Friends

For family and friends and those caring for someone with bipolar affective disorder it can be an emotional, stressful and frustrating time.

Bipolar affective disorder can have a dramatic affect on the lives of everyone involved and it is important that family and friends are armed with the available information and support to help their loved one manage their illness, and importantly to look after their own mental health and well-being while caring for someone with bipolar affective disorder.

The excerpts included on this page are written by people affected by bipolar affective disorder and provide invaluable insight into the effects bipolar disorder can have on the family of those with bipolar affective disorder.

Caring For Yourself

One of the most important things in caring for someone with bipolar affective disorder is taking care of yourself. Carers of people with mental illnesses often feel alone and isolated, it is not easy to tell someone a partner, parent or child suffers from mental illness, a carer of someone with bipolar affective disorder is subject to stigmatisation and discrimination just as the person with bipolar disorder is.

It is important that as a carer, you consider your own needs too, such as having your own hobbies, having someone you can talk to such as a local carers group. You do not have to be alone in caring for a person with bipolar disorder, the links below will provide you with advice and information about the support that is available to you as a carer.