Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. This condition is also called manic-depressive illness. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Bipolar disorder sometimes runs in families. If you have a parent who has bipolar disorder, you have a greater chance of having it. Both men and women can have bipolar disorder. People of all ages can have it.

What are some of the signs of bipolar disorder?

At times, a person who has bipolar disorder may feel very happy, full of energy and able to do anything. The person might not even want to rest when he or she feels this way. This feeling is called mania (say: "may-nee-ah"). At other times, a person who has bipolar disorder may feel very sad and depressed. The person may not want to do anything when he or she feels this way. This is called depression. People with bipolar disorder can quickly go from mania to depression and back again.

Other signs of mania may include the following:

• Feeling very irritable or angry
  
• Thinking and talking so fast that other people can't follow your thoughts
  
• Not sleeping at all
  
• Feeling very powerful and important
  
• Having trouble concentrating
  
• Spending too much money
  
• Abusing alcohol and drugs
  
• Having sex without being careful to prevent pregnancy or disease
  

Other signs of depression may include the following:

• No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, including sex
  
• Feeling sad or numb
  
• Crying easily or for no reason
  
• Feeling slowed down, or feeling restless and irritable
  
• Feeling worthless or guilty
  
• Change in appetite; unintended change in weight
  
• Trouble recalling things, concentrating or making decisions
  
• Headaches, backaches or digestive problems
  
• Problems sleeping, or wanting to sleep all of the time
  
• Feeling tired all of the time
  
• Thoughts about death and suicide
  

How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bipolar disorder can be treated by your family doctor. Your family doctor may want you to see a psychiatrist too. You and your doctors will work together to control your mood swings and make sure you stay well.