By Jason Hunter

Bipolar disorder at one time was known by the term manic depression. People diagnosed with this problem went from deeply depressive moods to wildly high moods. A person in the grasp of a manic episode can be in a state of pure euphoria or extreme irritability. Their thought patterns can be grand with whatever they are doing, seen as the best or greatest ever, or paranoid, imagining aliens following monitoring their every move. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder include poor judgment, offensive behavior, promiscuity, spending sprees, reckless behavior, increased energy and activity, and a reduced need for sleep.

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the person must currently be in a manic episode, must have had one previous major depressive, manic, or mixed episode that cannot be accounted for by some other schizoid, psychotic, or delusional disorder.

Studies indicate that approximately 30 percent of depressed patients under treatment may have bipolar disorder. Almost two percent of the entire adult population in the U.S. suffers from the affliction. Many studies show that 25 to 50 percent of bipolar patients attempt suicide at least once. Studies show that 15 percent succeeded, 30 times the rate found in the general population.

Numerous areas of the brain may be involved in bipolar disorder. They include the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, striatum, and pallidus. Researchers are beginning to study the physical structure of the brain to see if there are differences between a normal brain and the brain of a bipolar patient. Early studies suggest there may be abnormalities in the structure and blood flow of these particular areas of the brain, but there have not yet been enough studies with the proper controls to come to a definite conclusion.

Treatment for this disease most likely involves being on medication for life, which would provide credibility to the idea that perhaps there is some type of permanent change or difference in the bipolar's brain structure and circuitry. The types of medication that are currently found to be the most effective are the antidepressants bupropion and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) can also be used.

Omega-3 may help ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder patients and work as an alternative to lithium as a mood-stabilizing agent by inhibiting neuronal signals.

Although bipolar disorder requires a lifetime of treatment with medications - a proper diet including omega-3, the maintenance of bipolar disorder may be easier and more effectively accomplished. Results of the tests with fish oil capsules found that 64 percent treated with omega-3 responded to treatment, and remained in remission much longer after termination of the supplement.

Jason Hunter is a natural health advocate. He is webmaster of a natural health web site called Home Health and Natural Remedies, which he gives tips on reversing and curing some of today's deadliest lifestyle diseases. Visit his web site at http://www.hhesonline.com.