Beware: Many ministers, MPs suffer from bipolar disorder!
- Dec 05, 2015
The ‘Sathhanda’ newspaper stresses in its banner headline article that many ministers and MPs of the present parliament do suffer from the bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness.
This has been revealed to the newsapaper by a local specialist psychiatrist who has done a research in this regard.
The report says,
The doctor says several ministers have come to him to obtain treatment, but there are more MPs who do not know yet that they suffer from bipolar disorder, adding that their conduct and talk have convinced him about their illness.
A matter for concern is that among them are the powerful leaders of several parties, he said.
Serious tragedy
If they themselves or their close ones do not identify the symptoms and not obtain treatment, this situation will take the country to a serious tragedy, the doctor warns.
Among these ministers is a most powerful minister and his son, and both come to him for treatment, he says, adding that the MPs suffering from the disorder are recommended to take the drug called ‘Tramadol.’
Sometimes, a person with severe episodes of mania or depression has psychotic symptoms too, such as hallucinations or delusions. The psychotic symptoms tend to reflect the person's extreme mood. For example, if you are having psychotic symptoms during a manic episode, you may believe you are a famous person, have a lot of money, or have special powers.
Minister and son
People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes." Each mood episode represents a drastic change from a person’s usual mood and behavior. An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode. The abovementioned minister and son are a case in point that this disorder can affect other members of the family of a person already suffering from it.
Politicians suffering from this disorder say that they were the ones who had saved the country, talk about saving the country, claim to be the leader of the nation, say that they toppled a government to take power, that he will become the prime minister or the president of the next government, and show others that they know everything, refuse to respect others’ views and disregard them etc.
Claim to be important person
According to medical opinion, until the patient returns to normal, the disorder could last a few days to several months.
The abovementioned young MP has been behaving so while saying that he was the hero who defeated the Rajapaksa regime. The minister too, behaves in such a manner to convince others that he himself is the country’s law.
These insane thoughts may suddenly give way and the patient could even attempt suicide. It has been found that many who had committed suicide had suffered from this disorder.
Renowned businessman
Several leading businessmen in the country too, have obtained treatment for this disorder, reports say. One of them, who had held a top government position had boasted that he would become the Central Bank governor and the finance ministry secretary.
Later, the ailment was diagnosed and he obtained the necessary treatment at a hospital in Singapore.
However, if ministers and MPs who suffer from this disorder do not obtain treatment, but continue to take political deicisons for the country, the entire country will be in serious danger, the specialist doctor stresses.
According to him, two former presidents and a prime minister, too suffered from this disorder.
(Subhash Jayawardena)
Further information about bipolar disorder
