Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. It has symptoms of Mania: The "Highs" of Bipolar Disorder and Depression: The "Lows" of Bipolar Disorder. These changes in mood, or "mood swings" are intense and can last for hours, days, weeks or even months. People with this disorder typically seek help when they are in the depressive phase and are often initially diagnosed with unipolar depression. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. 7 of every 10 people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at least once. The average length of time to correct diagnosis and treatment is 10 years. Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. Contrary to popular belief, as many men have this disorder as women. As many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder complete suicide.

Although a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been pin pointed, research shows that bipolar disorder tends to run in families. About 6 million adult Americans are affected by bipolar disorder. That is approximately 2.5% of the adult population. artwork from “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” movie

The "lows" of this disorder are much like that of unipolar depression and are sometimes referred to as "bipolar depression." People with BD experience bipolar depression more often than mania or hypomania. Bipolar depression is also more likely to be accompanied by disability and suicidal thinking and behavior.

Symptoms of Depression:  Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells  Loss of appetite and changes in sleep patterns with sleeping far too much  Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety  Pessimism, indifference, defeat, feelings of impending doom  Loss of energy, lethargic  Feelings of guilt, worthlessness  Having problems focusing, remembering, and making decisions  Unable to enjoy things anymore, social withdrawal and isolation  Unexplained aches and pains  Suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.

Symptoms of Mania:  Excessive energy, racing thoughts and rapid talking  Denial that anything is wrong  Extreme “high” or euphoric feelings  Easily irritated or distracted  Decreased need for sleep – possibly days with little or no sleep without feeling tired  Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers  Unusually poor judgment  Sustained, unusual behavior  Unusual sexual drive  Abuse of drugs and alcohol  Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior The "highs" of this disorder come less frequently, but can be very intense and last for a long period of time.

Bipolar I Disorder — defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Bipolar II Disorder — defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic or mixed episodes. Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS) — diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person's normal range of behavior. Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia — a mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least 2 years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other type of bipolar disorder. Rapid-cycling Bipolar Disorder — An extremely severe form of the disorder. Rapid cycling occurs when a person has four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed states, all within a year. Rapid cycling seems to be more common in people who have their first bipolar episode at a younger age. Rapid cycling affects more women than men. Rapid cycling can come and go. Although bipolar disorder is equally common in women and men, research indicates that approximately three times as many women as men experience rapid cycling. Everyone is different and will experience their own combination of symptoms. There are different levels of this disorder.

Bipolar disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible. One way to treat it is with various forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change harmful or negative thought patterns and behaviors. Family-Focused Therapy - Helps enhance family coping strategies, such as recognizing new episodes early and helping their loved one. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy - Helps people with bipolar disorder improve their relationships with others and manage their daily routines. Psychoeducation - Usually done in a group, teaches people about the illness and its treatment. Can help to recognize signs of an impending mood swing so treatment can be sought early, before a full-blown episode occurs. It may also be helpful for family members and caregivers.

There is no one medication for bipolar disorder. Depending on the person, various combinations of these or similar drugs might be prescribed. Mood stabilizers: Lithium (helps with mania and depression), LATUDA (as adjunctive therapy with lithium), Benzodiazepines (primarily for mania and related anxiety disorders) Anticonvulsants Used as Mood Stabilizers: Depakote (valproic acid), Lamictal, Neurontin, Topamax, Trileptal Antipsychotics: Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Aripiprazole (Abilify), Quetiapine (Seroquel) Antidepressants: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and there are others

Living with bipolar disorder can be like living on a rollercoaster of emotions and life events. At its highest point there can be intense mania and at its lowest, severe depression. Either state can last for days or weeks and the transition from one to the other can be slow. Typically, depression steals away much more time than mania. Both can be extremely damaging to someone’s life. With mania, thoughts and feelings come and go quickly. You can feel elated and enthusiastic with intensity and power even invincible. Euphoria and sensuality can pervade. The universe has meaning and the world is a wonderful place. You are in tune with life and it seems there is nothing you can’t do but, unfortunately, it does not stop there. Your perceptions about yourself and the world become unrealistic. Making poor decisions, you act on impulse. The money goes easily, excessive use of alcohol and drugs can ensue, you might go in for gambling, or engage in risky sexual behavior. The loss of control can be frightening. Instead of a wonderful experience, you might become irritable, angry, and aggressive. Ignoring the consequences, your actions can become very destructive. In the extreme, mania can become psychosis complete with paranoia and hallucinations. There might be long periods of being simply normal but severe depression can come. It can be paralyzing and debilitating, painful emotionally and physically. Energy and optimism go away and it could become impossible to function. This too can last for weeks or months and will occur more than mania. The good news is that it can all be treated such that most people with bipolar disorder can live normal, happy, and fulfilling lives.

Fictional characters that appear to have bipolar tendencies.

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