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- Also called: Manic depression, bipolar depression
- Type of ailment: Mood disorder/mental illness
- Duration: Chronic
- Common medication or therapy: Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, psychotherapy
- Cause: Genetics, abnormal brain functionNational Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Causes
- Symptoms usually begin to manifest in the late teens or early twentiesNational Institute of Mental Health: Introduction to Bipolar Disorder
- An estimated 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorderNational Institute of Mental Health: Introduction to Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. Those afflicted with bipolar disorder alternate between periods of mania and depression. Different types of medication, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants may be prescribed to help control and stabilize episodes of mania and depression. Psychotherapy or another form of counseling is usually recommended as part of treatment. In extreme cases, or when medication and/or counseling has proven ineffective, electroconvulsive therapy may be used to treat bipolar disorder.National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
- Symptoms of mania:
- Impulsiveness
- Restlessness
- Drug and/or alcohol binges
- Demonstrating poor judgment
- Increased sex drive
- Extreme excitement
- Inability to concentrate
- Symptoms of depression:
- Lack of energy
- Feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Inability to enjoy previously pleasurable activitiesWebMD: Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sex drive and performance
- TremorsMedicineNet: Bipolar Disorder Treatment
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