Bipolar Disorder, also known by its older name “manic depresssion "is a mental disorder that is characterized by constantly changing moods. A person with Bipolar Disorder experiences alternating “highs” (what clinicians call "mania“) and “lows” (also known as depression). Both the manic and depresive periods can be brief, from just a few hours to a few days, or longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months. The periods of mania and depression vary from person to person — many people may only experience very brief periods of these intense moods, and may not even be aware that they have bipolar disorder.

A manic episode is characterized by extreme happiness, hyperactivity, little need for sleep and racing thoughts, which may lead to rapid speech. A depressive episode is characterized by extreme sadness, a lack of energy or interest in things, an inability to enjoy normally pleasurable activities and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Bipolar Network News at:
www.bipolarnews.org

National Institute of Mental Health:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-resources-1

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bipolar_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
 

Bipolar Support Organization:

http://www.bipolarsupport.org/

MD Junction:

http://www.mdjunction.com/support-groups

National Alliance on Mental Health

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?section=Find_Support

There may also be local support groups in your area, if online support is not what you are seeking.

Bipolar Disorder affects about 2 million people in the United States each year. Both men an women are affected at the same rate. There are few risk factors that reliably predict a significant increased likelihood of being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Genetics and one’s family history appear to both have some influence over the likelihood of being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is more common in those who have a sibling or parent with the illness and in families having several generations affected with mood disorders.

Manic Phase Symptoms Include

• heightened sense of self-importance

• exaggerated positive outlook

• significantly decreased need for slep

• poor appetite and weight loss

• racing speech, flight of ideas, impulsiveness

• ideas that move quickly from one subject to the next

• poor concentration, easy distractibility

• increased activity level

• excessive involvement in pleasurable activities

• poor financial choices, rash spending sprees

• excessive irritability, aggressive behavior

Depression Phase Symptoms Include:

• feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• loss of interest in pleasurable or usual activities

• difficulty sleeping; early-morning awakening

• loss of energy and constant lethargy

• sense of guilt or low self-esteem

• difficulty concentrating

• negative thoughts about the future

• weight gain or weight loss

• talk of suicide or death