Menstuff® has compiled the following information on bipolar
disorder.
Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of Bipolar
Disorder
Treatments for Bipolar
Disorder
Bipolar Disorder in Children
Mood Disorder Questionnaire
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects more than two million adult Americans. It
usually begins in late adolescence (often appearing as depression
during teen years) although it can start in early childhood or later
in life. An equal number of men and women develop this illness (men
tend to begin with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode)
and it is found among all ages, races, ethnic groups and social
classes. The illness tends to run in families and appears to have a
genetic link. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar
disorder can also negatively affect spouses and partners, family
members, friends and coworkers.
Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder
Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend or hospital emergency room or call 911 immediately.
You cannot diagnose yourself. Only a properly trained health professional can determine if you have bipolar disorder. Our online self-assessment can help you communicate your symptoms to your health care professional.
Many people do not seek medical attention during periods of mania because they feel manic symptoms (increased energy, heightened mood, increased sexual drive, etc.) have a positive impact on them. However, left unchecked, these behaviors can have harmful results.
When symptoms of mania are left untreated, they can lead to
illegal or life-threatening situations because mania often involves
impaired judgment and reckless behavior. Manic behaviors vary from
person to person. All symptoms should be discussed with your
doctor.
Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may be difficult to recognize in children, as they can be mistaken for age-appropriate emotions and behaviors of children and adolescents. Symptoms of mania and depression may appear in a variety of behaviors. When manic, children and adolescents, in contrast to adults, are more likely to be irritable and prone to destructive outbursts than to be elated or euphoric. When depressed, there may be complaints of headaches, stomach aches, tiredness, poor performance in school, poor communication and extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
The treatment of bipolar disorder in children is based on experience in treating adults with the illness, since very few studies have been done of the effectiveness and safety of the medications in children and adolescents. It is important to find a doctor that is well-versed in treating this illness in children and one that you work closely with throughout the course of treatment.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and
adolescents with depression in the United States may actually be
experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder.
Source: http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html
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