What is Bipolar Disorder?
by Jay
Miller
zone3
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain
disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and
ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone
goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result
in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even
suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and
people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the
population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early
adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during
childhood, and some develop them late in life. It is often not recognized
as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly
diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is
a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's
life.
"Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful
behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes
the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its
origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an
illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that
brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently,
suicide."
There are many symptoms of bipolar that one should be mindful to look
at if they feel they may be suffering from a mental health illness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
To read the rest of this article please visit our website at HelpingDepression.com. Here you will also find helpful
articles on mental health disorders that affect millions of people
today.
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