By: DJ Kyles

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior–from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.

The person will have a tendency to be overly optimistic and confident. This is the "nothing-can-stop-me-now" attitude.

There is so much hyperactive energy and because of this, the person becomes restless. Sometimes the patient may seem to look very passionate about certain tasks.

The person may not find the need to sleep. At this high state, the body may also prevent the patient from feeling tired.

There is the tendency of the person to feel very important - the delusion of grandeur.

The bipolar patient can be unreasonably annoying and aggressive to other people.

The person tends to make impulsive judgments without rationalization.

The patient becomes overly talkative as if he or she is racing against his or her thoughts.

The patient becomes very pessimistic. When depression sets in, all the energy is

lost. The bipolar patient may experience erratic

sleep schedules and abnormal appetite. The confidence is lost and excessively low

self-esteem takes over. The patient will tend to self-pity and induce

guilt on self. The patient tends to develop suicidal

tendencies.

Bipolar disorder results in 9.2 years reduction in expected life span, and as many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder completes suicide. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. (National Institute of Mental Health)

The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years (National Institute of Mental Health), although the illness can start in early childhood or as late as the 40's and 50's.

An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes.

More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free.

There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.

It’s best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition. Diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored. A psychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder treatment can help you navigate these twists and turns.

http://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1048:thirteen-symptoms-of-bipolar-disorder&catid=25:bipolar&Itemid=2060

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_statistics_bipolar

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm#at