Bipolar and Related Disorders
Overview – Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a complex mental health disorder that affects an individual’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. A person experiencing this life-altering disorder may experience dramatic mood swings that quickly shift from feeling incredibly happy and hopeful to intensely sad and hopeless. Although Bipolar Disorders are not curable, they are definitely treatable. With medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy, it is possible to lead a full and productive life.
According to the World Health Organization, bipolar disorder is considered to be the sixth leading cause of disability, affecting 45 million people worldwide. That equals all the numbers of people in the country of Argentina. Approximately 52 percent are female, and 48 percent are male. Worldwide studies have demonstrated an association between Bipolar Disorder and tobacco smoking behaviors in adults. According to the US National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older. The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25. It is considered an inheritable condition.
The moods exhibited with Bipolar Disorder range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. There is also a condition where symptoms occur that are related to taking and/or discontinuing specific medications and/or other substances. The symptoms of a manic episode may resemble those of cocaine with elevated mood and energy. The symptoms of a major depressive episode may resemble those of withdrawal. Approximately 50 percent of those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, also will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.
Bipolar and Related Disorders presents information on four different classifications, one type each day for four days
Bipolar 1
Bipolar 2
Hypomania can subtly impair judgement resulting in unfortunate decisions along with a heightened sense of creativity and power. Hypomania can be difficult to diagnose because it may seem to be simply happiness. The symptoms do not impair everyday functioning in the way they do during a manic episode that is typical of Bipolar I Disorder, tend not to cause psychosis, and typically are not severe enough to necessitate hospitalization.