Bipolar Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 2 million American adults have bipolar disorder. Often before the age 35, this disorder appears in both men and women. The disease causes people to have severe high (happy) and low (sad) moods. Therefore, the term bipolar depicts the two extreme moods.

The highs

• Excessive happiness and excitement
• Sudden mood swing from joyful to angry/mean
• Restlessness
• Extreme energy and requires less sleep
• Intense sex drive
• Tendency to make ambitious and unattainable plans
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Increased impulsivity

The lows

• Sadness
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Low attention span
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty making decisions
• Irritability
• Increased need for sleep
• Insomnia
• Appetite change resulting in weight loss or gain
• Death or suicide thoughts
• Suicide attempts

Treatment: Bipolar disorder is a long-term disease that requires continuous management throughout life. Medication and counseling are highly recommended to prevent episodes.

Sources: WebMDHealth, Bipolar Disorder, National Institute of Mental Health, Publications

Information and Resources:

Local

• Akron General Medical Center, Bipolar Disorder a Misunderstood Disease
• The Cleveland Clinic, Bipolar Disorder
• NetWellness, Consumer Health Information, Bipolar Disorder (Adolescents and Children)
• University Hospitals Health Systems, Depression Research Center

National

• Kaisernetwork.org, United States Has Highest Rate of Untreated Mental Illnesses Among 14 Countries
• KidsHealth
• National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder
• National Mental Health Association - Bipolar Disorder
• WebMDHealth, Bipolar Disorder