1. Bipolar Disorder

2. Explanation
People with bipolar disorder have rapid mood swings and rapidly cycle between being extremely happy and severely depressed.
There are four different types of bipolar disorder; bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and an unspecified type of bipolar disorder.
It also affects the mind and how it functions.

3. Symptoms The depressed part of the cycle: Sadness Apathy
Changes in weight
Feelings of worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts
The manic part includes:
resenting criticism
easily anger when people try to calm them down
rapid speech
exaggerated sense of self-confidence
hallucinations or delusions

4. Diagnosis
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder so it is difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms, course of illness, and family history.
A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of the symptoms last two weeks or longer.
A manic episode is diagnose is elevated mood, including three or more symptoms, lasts one week or longer.

5. Those Affected Bipolar disorder occurs in both sexes.
Type 2 disorder occurs more frequently in females than males.
Approximately 1-1.3% of the United States adult population has bipolar disorder.
The most frequent age of onset lies between 15 and 19 years of age.

6. Causes
Can be diagnosed by symptoms, course of illness and family history.
60% of bipolar cases have a family history of the disease.
If both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk for each child increases to 50-75%.
There is no specific gene mutation that it is cause by.

7. Treatments
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.

8. Getting Help
Field Of Dreams Counseling 147 W. Gray St Suite 215 Elmira, NY (607)
Elmira Psychiatric center 100 washington St Elmira, NY (607)
St Joseph's Hospital 555 St. Joseph's Blvd Elmira, NY (607)

9. Interesting Information
Author and Actor Spalding Gray disappeared January 10, 2004, and his body was pulled from the East River in New York on March 7, Suffering from bipolar disorder, Gray undoubtedly committed suicide. His family has gone through a waking nightmare. Don't put your own family through this kind of hell!
The star of "Terminator" and "Beauty and the Beast" has acknowledged that she suffers from bipolar disorder and is now on medication to help control the devastating lows.
Jane Pauley, longtime television news reporter suffers from bipolar disorder.
Ludwig Von Beethoven, Tim Burton, Buzz Aldrin (Astronaut), and Theodore Roosevelt also suffer/suffered from bipolar disorder.

10. Video
What is Bipolar Disorder?