Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, has a very serious effect on the sufferer's life. It also effects those closest to the patients in a detrimental way and getting treatment as soon as possible is paramount. Sufferers need the attention of physicians, psychiatrists and a close and supportive network of family and friends around to help. If you are a family member or a friend of a bipolar disorder sufferer then you will already know the effects it can have on a person and their everyday lives. Bipolar disorder does not mean that a person is always depressed and down, it means there mood will swing from very high or up to incredibly down and depressed. This swing in moods can be very difficult to judge and to cope with and can also have ill effects on the physical side of a patient.

There are medications known as mood stabilizers available and a person who suffers from bipolar disorder is likely to be prescribed these by their psychiatrist. They will normally have to take these for the rest of their lives because bipolar disease is recurrent. Sometimes other drugs are combined with mood stabilizers but this will probably only be over a short period of time.

Always be prepared for the worst. Don't forget that bipolar disease will mean constant ups and downs and many patients try to commit suicide because they see it as their only way out. Be prepared and always be ready to call 911 if you think this is going to be the case. Don't be afraid that you will be wasting their time if your family member or friend is just having a down day because if you don't ring the consequences could be a lot worse.

If you or someone you know has a bipolar disease then it is recommended that you see a psychiatrist and not your general physician although your GP can refer you to a specialist in the field that will be in the best position to offer you the help, support and information you need to beat it.

Long term preventative treatment is likely to be required because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness. Stopping the medication or psychological treatment received can cause a regression to the mood swings associated with the disease.