What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood,
energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder
are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to
time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But
bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. Bipolar disorder often develops
in a person's late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some
people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life. Bipolar disorder is not
easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some
people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease,
bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.
What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience
unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes." An overly joyful or overexcited
state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood
episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may
be explosive and irritable during a mood episode. Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior go along with these
changes in mood. It is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to experience a long-lasting period of unstable moods rather
than discrete episodes of depression or mania. A person may be having an episode of bipolar disorder if he or she has a number
of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one or two weeks. Sometimes symptoms are
so severe that the person cannot function normally at work, school, or home.
