Bipolar Disorder Health Information

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Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone else goes through. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but some people have their first symptoms during childhood. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated.

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder:

Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to produce the illness.

What scientists have found:
  • Bipolar disorder tends to run in families
  • Bipolar disorder, like other mental illnesses, does not occur because of a single gene.8 It appears likely that many different genes act together, and in combination with other factors of the person or the person's environment
  • Scientists expect that the advanced research tools now being used will lead to these discoveries and to new and better treatments for bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

Symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder include:
  • Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
  • Extreme irritability
  • Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
  • Distractibility or can't concentrate well
  • Little sleep needed
  • Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
  • Poor judgment
  • Spending sprees
  • Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
  • Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
  • Denial that anything is wrong
  • Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  • Sleeping too much
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Like other mental illnesses, bipolar disorder cannot yet be identified physiologically — for example, through a blood test or a brain scan. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made on the basis of symptoms, course of illness, and, when available, family history.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. Most people with bipolar can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Medications for bipolar disorder are prescribed by psychiatrists. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" usually are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder. In general, people with bipolar disorder continue treatment with mood stabilizers for extended periods of time.

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