Unipolar Disorders

Unipolar disorders can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social origins of distress. Research theorizes the previously mentioned factors can cause changes in brain function. Unipolar disorders are recurrent and should be treated through the use of psychotherapy (counseling) and pharmacotherapy .

Those suffering from unipolar disorders, may have a persistent feeling of sadness or they may have a loss of interest in some or all aspects of everyday life. Common emotional changes may include: depressed mood with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and despair. Irritability can be the primary mood complaint for others. These are a characteristic of major depression which can be seen in both behavioral and physical symptoms. Symptoms can changes energy levels, sleep patterns (changes in sleep pattern are quite common with those suffering from depression), appetite, everyday behavior, and or self-esteem; can include a change in their level of concentration; and can lead to thoughts of suicide due to deep depression.

Contact Mathers Clinic

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or for more information about our services by calling (815) 444.9999. You may also email us at info@themathersclinic.com. We look forward to helping you meet with a psychologist at a time that works well for you.

• Goldberg’s Mania Scale
• Goldberg’s Depression Scale

Facts About Bipolar Illness

• More than 2 million Americans have manic-depressive illness. It is extremely distressing and disruptive to their lives.
• Like any serious illness, bipolar disorder also creates problems for spouses, family members, friends, and employers.
• Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavioral problems (such as wild spending sprees) and the lasting consequences of these behaviors.
• Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, and there is strong evidence that it is inherited. However, despite ongoing research efforts, a specific genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been identified.
• Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket. The symptoms can be confused with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, so careful diagnosis is necessary.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.

Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. Without treatment, marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide may result from the chronic, episodic mood swings. The most significant treatment issue is noncompliance with treatment. Most individuals with bipolar disorder do not perceive their manic episodes as needing treatment, and they resist entering treatment. In fact, most people report feeling very good during the beginning of a manic episode, and don’t want it to stop. This is a serious judgment problem. As the manic episode progresses, concentration becomes difficult, thinking becomes more grandiose, and problems develop. Unfortunately, the risk taking behavior usually results in significant painful consequences such as loss of a job or a relationship, running up excessive debts, or getting into legal difficulties. Many individuals with bipolar disorder abuse drugs or alcohol during manic episodes, and some of these develop secondary substance abuse problems.