Introduction- Albertine, M.
Bipolar affective disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. These shifts are related to alternating episodes of depression and mania; often accompanied by thoughts of death or suicide. About 4.4% of Americans are diagnosed with this condition (BPAD). A combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role. Bipolar disorder can start at an early stage;but the average age of onset is 25. Women have a higher rate of BPAD while men tend to have more severe symptoms.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine(2017, April 11). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bipolar-disorder
- Manic episodes- These are characterized as periods of increased energy, activity, irritability, restlessness, inability to sleep, and reckless behavior.
- Depressive episodes- These are characterized as periods of low energy, feelings of hopelessness, and inability to perform tasks.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine(2017, April 11). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bipolar-disorder
Types
There are two main types of bipolar disorder.
Joseph Goldberg, MD (July 26, 2016) Types of Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-forms
- Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression.
- Bipolar II disorder has milder forms of mood elevation, hypomania, that alternate with periods of severe depression.
Joseph Goldberg, MD (July 26, 2016) Types of Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-forms