Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder results in dramatic mood swings in the sufferer. This psychological disorder is characterized by perpetual shifts between manic and depressive phases. During the manic phase, one may feel unnaturally confident, energetic, and out of control. The depressive phase shares many symptoms with major depression.

In a given year approximately one percent of the population will experience bipolar disorder, according to NIMH. The disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. Bipolar is the only depressive disorder that is not heavily skewed toward women.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Phase

Little sleep, plenty of energy
Exaggerated optimism, excessive self-confidence, euphoric mood
Engaging in wreckless, inappropriate behavior
Promiscuity, sexual aggression
Distractible, unable to concentrate, too many ideas
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
Increased irritability
Manic phase lasts at least one week

Depressive Phase

Deep despair, suicidal thoughts or actions
Anger or fear due to uncontrollable mood swings
Feelings of guilt, low self-esteem
Difficulty falling asleep, restless sleeping, over-sleeping
Diminished sex drive
Loss of interest in formerly-enjoyed activities
Eating disorders, unexpected weight gain or loss
Physical pains not associated with a known illness

Differences by Gender

Bipolar in Women

Women experience bipolar disorder with roughly the same frequency as men. Women, however, often have more pronounced depressive phrases rather than manic phases. Women are more likely to rapidly cycle between phases; three times as often as men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Bipolar in Men

Men often experience more pronounced manic phases than women. Early onset is also more associated with males, as is substance abuse.

Bipolar by Age Group

The onset of bipolar disorder occurs most often in adolescence and young adulthood. Onset after age 40 is less common, though drug or alcohol abuse is thought to be associated with late-onset bipolar disorder. Other research suggests that individuals with a late onset may simply not have had the potential triggers or risk factors associated with early onset, such as high stress and a family history of depressive illness.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and young adolescents is possible, and may be associated with disruptive behavior disorders such as ADHD. Bipolar with a childhood onset typically presents rapid cycling and may be a more severe form of the illness.

Books on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know "Offers a wealth of material that can help demystify the disorder. Miklowitz methodically explains the disease, its symptoms and diagnosis, moves on to cogent explanations of its possible causes, then spends most of the book offering advice on how to manage it."
Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bipolar but Were Too Freaked Out to Ask "Hilary Smith has come through big time with a book about bipolar disorder targeted to teens or 20-somethings experiencing mental illness for the first time."
Two Bipolar Chicks Guide To Survival: Tips for Living with Bipolar Disorder "Written in such a straightforward, often funny manner, and really treats bipolar disorder pretty much how you would treat any illness—without shame and packed with on-point, solid advice."
The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings "Dr. Basco not only offers information about this very difficult illness, but also spells out strategic ways to cope and move forward with life."
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness "[Dr. Jamison] takes the reader through her life and does not sugar coat the effects of the illness on her life, both professionally and personally."