Factsheet: Bipolar Disorder: What You Need to KnowWhat is Bipolar Disorder?Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is an illness involving one or more episodes of serious mania and depression. The illness causes a person’s mood to swing from excessively “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, with periods of a normal mood in between. More than 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. 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. Bipolar disorder can be extremely distressing and disruptive for those who have this disease, their spouses, family members, friends and employers. Although there is no known cure, bipolar disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible. Individuals with bipolar disorder have successful relationships and meaningful jobs. The combination of medications and psychotherapy helps the vast majority of people return to productive, fulfilling lives. “Bipolar disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible.” What causes bipolar disorder?Although a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been found, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of those who suffer from bipolar disorder have relatives with some form of depression. It is also possible that people may inherit a tendency to develop the illness, which can then be triggered by environmental factors such as distressing life events. The presence of bipolar disorder indicates a biochemical imbalance which alters a person’s moods. This imbalance is thought to be caused by irregular hormone production or to a problem with certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that act as messengers to our nerve cells. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize and diagnose. It causes a person to have a high level of energy, unrealistically expansive thoughts or ideas, and impulsive or reckless behavior. These symptoms may feel good to a person, which may lead to denial that there is a problem. Another reason bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose is that its symptoms may appear to be part of another illness or attributed to other problems such as substance abuse, poor school performance, or trouble in the workplace. Symptoms of maniaThe symptoms of mania, which can last up to three months if untreated, include:
Symptoms of DepressionSome people experience periods of normal mood and behavior following a manic phase, however, the depressive phase will eventually appear. Symptoms of depression include:
TreatmentTreatment is critical for recovery. A combination of medication, professional help and support from family, friends and peers help individuals with bipolar disorder stabilize their emotions and behavior. Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated with medication. A common medication, Lithium, is effective in controlling mania in 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder. Olanzapine (Zyprexa), an antipsychotic, is a new treatment for bipolar disorder, Carbomazepine (Tegratol) and divalproex sodium (Depakote), which are mood-stabilizers and anticonvulsants, are some of the other medications used. In addition, benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for insomnia and thyroid medication can also be helpful. It is suggested that those with bipolar disorder receive guidance, education and support from a mental health professional to help deal with personal relationships, maintain a healthy self-image and ensure compliance with his or her treatment. Support and self-help groups are also an invaluable resource for learning coping skills, feeling acceptance and avoiding social isolation. Friends and family should join a support group to better understand the illness so that they can continue to offer encouragement and support to their loves ones. Other Resources:Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501 Chicago, IL 60610-7204 Phone Number: (312) 642-0049 Toll-Free Number: (800) 826-3632 Fax Number: (312) 642-7243 Website URL: www.dbsalliance.org National Institute of Mental Health Phone Number: 301-443-4513 Toll Free Number: 1-866-615-6464 Fax Number: 301-443-4279 Email Address: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website URL: www.nimh.nih.gov National Foundation for Depressive Illness Phone: 800-239-1265 www.depression.org Sources“ Bipolar Disorder,” NIMH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.“ Facts About: Manic Depression,” American Psychiatric Association. “ Overview of Bipolar Disorder and its Symptoms,” National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association. For More Information:For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information, help paying for your medications, your local Mental Health America affiliate, and other mental health-related services in your community, please contact us.If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance. Page last updated: 2/25/2009
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