Everyone goes through highs and lows in their lives, but when these mood shifts are drastic, frequent, and affect relationships and an indivdual's ability to function in everyday life, it could be bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is an illness affecting the brain and is characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood, thinking and energy. More than 10 million Americans suffer from this illness, also known as manic/depressive disorder.1

The disorder displays in two forms: mania and depression. During periods of mania, a person may appear to be happy, full of energy and ideas, impulsive, ambitious and fast-paced. While in a depressive state, the person may sleep in excess, experience suicidal thoughts, exhibit low energy, and feel restless and irritable. The shifts between these moods can be prolonged over time, experienced simultaneously or change drastically, which is called rapid cycling.

Both genetics and environment have been identified as leading causes of bipolar disorder and the symptoms generally begin to appear in adolescence or in young adults. Bipolar disorder is classified as a chronic, lifelong illness. Untreated, it can lead clients to harm themselves or others. In most cases, effective, lifelong treatment combines both mood-altering medications and continued therapy.     

1.    National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery, Ken Duckworth, M.D.

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 For more information about Bipolar Disorder, see Health Education Answers.

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