Bipolar Disorder
Check out this informative video about Bipolar Disorder from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Quick Facts
Statistics
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Affects about 2.6% of the US population
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83% are considered severe
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Causes
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Genetics
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Brain structure & development
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Average age-of-onset is 25
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Symptoms
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Psychotic symptoms
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Hallucinations or delusions
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Mania: the "high"
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Impulsive, reckless, or unusual behavior
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Depression: the "low"
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Sleep difficulties
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Extreme negative thinking
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Obsession with feelings of loss, failure, or helplessness
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4 Types of Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar I Disorder: 1 or more severe & long-lasting manic episode(s)
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Bipolar II Disorder: depressive & hypomanic episodes; never a "full" manic episode
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Cyclothymia: chronically unstable mood state with hypomania or mild depression for at least 2 years
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"Unspecified or Other Specified" Bipolar Disorder: periods of significant abnormal mood elevation, but not matching criteria of other Bipolar Disorder types
Treatments
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Psychotherapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Medications
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Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, & antidepressants
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