What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness and will be called by both names throughout this publication, 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 needlessly for years or even decades. Effective treatments are available that greatly alleviate the suffering caused by bipolar disorder and can usually prevent its devastating complications. These include marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide.

Read the criteria for bipolar disorder from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

Here are the ICD-10 Classifications for Bipolar Disorder from the World Health Organization.

Here are some facts about bipolar disorder:

Awareness:

Manic-depressive illness 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.

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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 is believed to be inherited in many 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:

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

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease.
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.

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