Bipolar Disorder

Check out this informative video about Bipolar Disorder from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Quick Facts

 Statistics

• Affects about 2.6% of the US population

  • 83% are considered severe​

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Causes​​

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• ​Genetics

• Brain structure & development

  • Average age-of-onset is 25

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Symptoms​​

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• Psychotic symptoms

  • Hallucinations or delusions​

• ​Mania: the "high"

  • Impulsive, reckless, or unusual behavior​

• Depression: the "low"

  • Sleep difficulties​

  • Extreme negative thinking

    • 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)

• Bipolar II Disorder: depressive & hypomanic episodes; never a "full" manic episode

• Cyclothymia: chronically unstable mood state with hypomania or mild depression for at least 2 years

• "Unspecified or Other Specified" Bipolar Disorder: periods of significant abnormal mood elevation, but not matching criteria of other Bipolar Disorder types

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Treatments​

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• Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)​

• Medications

  • Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, & antidepressants​

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Helpful Resources: