bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2. ... Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder (www. ... Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. ... Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a persons life. There are two types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder. Bipolar I Disorder is diagnosed when a person has had at least one manic or mixed episode, often along with a major depressive episode. Bipolar II Disorder is diagnosed when a person has had a major depressive episode along with at least one hypomanic episode (DSM-IV). People with bipolar disorder experience a wide range of feelings depending on the phase of the illness is present. ... In fact, 10% to 15% of those with bipolar disorder may die by suicide, If the depression is severe, a person may need to be hospitalized for his or her own safety (www.