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Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it experience dramatic mood swings. They may go from overly energetic, "high" and/or irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again. They often have normal moods in between. The up feeling is called mania. The down feeling is depression.
Bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. If you think you may have it, tell your health care provider. A medical checkup can rule out other illnesses that might cause your mood changes.
Untreated, bipolar disorder can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. However, there are effective treatments: medicines and "talk therapy". A combination usually works best.
National Institute of Mental Health
'''Bipolar Affective Disorder''', "BPAD", or "BP" is a mood disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). Specific categories of the disorder include Bipolar type I, Bipolar type II, cyclothymic disorder, Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified). Each varies with intensity and length of the varing manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes. These episodes result in unusually extreme highs and lows of an individual's mood, i.e. affect, over time. The high part of the mood is called "mania" (often times a euphoria) and the low part of the mood is depression. Bipolar disorder is now generally considered to be a biochemical disorder of the brain and its associated hormonal systems. Without proper treatment bipolar disorder can destroy families, friendships, careers, and even lives. Bipolar disorder can be so profoundly distressing for those that suffer from it that 15% of people diagnosed with bipolar will eventually commit suicide. It is found in disproportionate numbers in people with creative talent such as scientists and poets, and it has been speculated that the mechanisms which cause the disorder may be related to those responsible for creativity in these persons. Some persons with bipolar may even want to feel manic or hypomanic. That is where they feel their best and can best be creative and productive. Mood is experienced very differently in a person with bipolar. In fact it is best described as a mood regulation disorder. Bipolar persons may feel a little down or up about an event in their lives, just as a normal persons would, but unlike normal persons who would easily be able to shift their mood, bipolar persons would not be able to shift their mood easily. Their mood may intensify until it becomes a full-blown mania or a clinical depression at that point their mood could be "stuck" until it cycles again. Mania is often characterized by insomnia, elation, ... [ Read More ]
Jonathan Brandis: Closer - Fan tribute containing a biography, filmography, interviews, scanned magazine covers, screen captures, poetry, desktop wallpapers, and articles on bipolar disorder.
Mood Shifts - Books on mental health issues, stories, resources and workbooks. Manic depression, bipolar disorder, depression, ECT, panic attacks, eating disorders, and other mental health subjects.
Mental Disorders - Videos and books on mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety written by Dr. Herbert Wagemaker.
SEAR Publications - Series of books for laymen on depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, manic-depression, schizophrenia, autism, orthomolecular medicine, restorative mental healthcare, and self-help.
Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania - Manic depression, a bipolar disorder, plagued Andy Behrman, author of Electroboy, a young man who tried numerous medications and 19 electroshock treatments before healing.
Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression - Paul Wider's help and advice for people living with bipolar disorder, written from personal experience.
Dear World - A book which addresses coping with suicide-inducing pain associated with depressive illnesses or bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder - Video offering candid opinions on treatment and management of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Video Series - Candid opinions from Ohio mental health professionals regarding treatment options and coping strategies for bipolar disorder and depression.
Bipolar Disorders Center - The bipolar disorders center is for families of children or adolescents living with a bipolar disorder.