Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic Depression) is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and is classified as a Mood Disorder. There are two classifications of the disease: Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder. Together Bipolar Disorder affects about one out of ten people. Completed suicide occurs in 10-15 of individuals with Bipolar Disorder.

According to the DSM-IV-TR, Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, usually accompanied by Major Depressive Episodes. Bipolar I Disorder most often involves widely spaced, long-lasting bouts of mania followed by long-lasting bouts of depression, only to start all over again. However, the essential definition is depression plus mania, also known as "mixed states".

Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode. Bipolar Type II that involves at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but never a full-blown manic episode. The essential definition is depression plus hypomania. Although the shifts from one state to another are usually gradual, they can also come suddenly and without warning, giving observers the impression that the bipolar person is dangerous and unpredictable.

The "rapid-cycling" form of the disorder involves four or more complete mood cycles within a year's time. Some rapid-cyclers have completed a mood cycle in a matter of days or, even more rare, in a matter of hours. Bipolar Disorder has a "mixed state" as well.

The social implications for adults with Bipolar Affective Disorder can be devastating, ranging from severe mood swings, manic episodes, hypersexual activities, job loss, divorce and sometimes suicide.

Bipolar Disorder equally affects men and women. Bipolar Disorder is in the same family of illnesses (called "affective disorders") as clinical depression. However, unlike clinical depression, which seems to affect far more women than men, Bipolar Disorder seems to affect men and women in approximately equal numbers.