Quick Facts on Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder consists of recurrent episodes of depression, mania and/or mixed symptoms. These episodes cause extreme shifts in mood, energy and behavior that interfere with normal healthy functioning. Approximately 2.5 million Americans are affected by bipolar disorder. Causes of bipolar disorder can include biochemical, genetic and environmental factors.
A common sign is mood swings between emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). During a manic phase, symptoms may include:
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Increased drive to achieve goals
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to detect. Some people may go for quite a while before they are correctly diagnosed. The reason for this has to do with the dual nature of the disorder. When someone is feeling manic they are full of energy and usually feel good. They are "high on life" and seldom seek treatment. By contrast, they often seek treatment when they fall into a major depressive episode. At that time, they describe only depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is common for the individual to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression instead of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder also shares many of the signs and symptoms associated with other illnesses such as anxiety disorders, further complicating diagnosis. If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder, contact a mental health professional. During low phases of bipolar, symptoms may include:
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may appear as early as age 5. More typically, symptoms usually appear around the age of 20. Symptoms may also become more evident later in life, between the ages of 40 and 50. Bipolar disorder symptoms often appear for the first time during or around big life changes that can trigger a mood episode.
