Bipolar Disorder

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What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, which is also know as manic-depressive illness and will be called by both names throughout this article, is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person's mood usually swings from overly “high” and irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between.

Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people who have it may suffer for years or even decades.

Awareness
Bipolar Disorder has a devastating impact on many people.

• At least 2 million Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. For those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive.
• Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members, friends, and employers.
• Family members of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious behavior problems (such as wild spending sprees) and the lasting consequences of these behaviors.
• Bipolar Disorder tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in some cases. Despite vigorous research efforts, a specific genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been detected.

Recognition
Bipolar Disorder involves cycles of mania and depression. Signs and symptoms of mania include discrete periods of:

• Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid talking
• Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
• Extreme irritability and distractibility
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Uncharacteristically poor judgment
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

Signs and symptoms of depression include discrete periods of:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
• Restlessness or irritability
• Loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts