Bipolar Disorder

Description
Bipolar Disorder or manic depression is characterized by cycling of moods, from extreme highs in the manic phase to extreme lows in its depressive stage. A recent survey by NARSAD shows an incidence as high as 3.5% of Americans suffer from this disorder.

Symptoms

 Inflated self-concept Shopping sprees Little need for sleep Increased sex drive Anger and rage Pressured speech Memory distortion Profound sadness Suicidal thoughts

Causes
This disorder may be a chemical imbalance deep in the brain. It has the highest genetic incidence of all the mental illnesses.

Treatment
Medications: Mood stabilizers such as Lithium, Tegretol, Depakote, Topamax. Antipsychotics such as Seroquel, Risperdal, Zyprexa

Psychosocial therapies
For more information about these disorders, visit www.nami.org/helpline.htm.