| Bipolar disorder, known as manic-depressive illness, is a | | | | from one idea to another |
| brain disorder that creates unusual shifts in a person's | | | | * Can't concentrate well |
| mood, energy, and ability to function. Bipolar disorder | | | | * Needing very little sleep |
| causes dramatic mood swings from overly "high" and | | | | * Unrealistic beliefs in one's powers and capabilities |
| or irritability to sadness and hopelessness, and then | | | | * Poor judgment |
| back again, and can have periods of normal moods in | | | | * Excessive spending sprees |
| between. | | | | * A lasting period of behavior that is unusual |
| Severe changes in behavior and energy go along with | | | | * Increased sex drive |
| these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows | | | | * Abuse of drugs, particularly alcohol, cocaine, and |
| are called episodes of mania and depression. It is far | | | | sleeping medications |
| different from the normal ups and downs that | | | | * Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior |
| everyone goes through because the symptoms of | | | | Symptoms of a depressive episodes include the exact |
| bipolar disorder are severe. | | | | opposite: |
| About 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older | | | | * Lasting periods of sadness, anxiety , or feelings of |
| have bipolar disorder. It typically develops in late | | | | emptiness |
| adolescence or early adulthood however some people | | | | * Feelings of pessimism |
| develop it later in life. Bipolar disorder is often not | | | | * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness |
| recognized as an illness because it is episodic and | | | | * Loss of interest in sex |
| people may suffer for years before it is properly | | | | * Decreased energy |
| diagnosed and treated. | | | | * Difficulty in concentration |
| Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites | | | | * Restlessness or irritability |
| dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational | | | | * Sleeping too much,and/or can't sleep |
| thought, and too often destroys the desire and will to | | | | * Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or |
| live. Biological in its origins, it feels psychological during | | | | gain |
| an episode. It is an illness that is unique in that it confers | | | | * Chronic pain and other bodily symptoms that are not |
| advantage and pleasure at one end of the scale, but it | | | | caused by physical illness or injury |
| brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and | | | | * Thoughts of death or suicide. |
| often suicide. | | | | But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be |
| Symptoms of a manic episodes include: | | | | treated, and people with this illness can lead full and |
| * Increased energy, activity, restlessness, and extreme | | | | productive lives. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar |
| irritability | | | | disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully |
| * Excessively "high," overly pleasant, euphoric mood | | | | managed throughout a person's life. |
| * Racing thoughts and fast speech patterns, jumping | | | | |