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"Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors,
destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire
and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet
one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is
unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its
wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide."
"I am fortunate that I have not died from my illness, fortunate in
having received the best medical care available, and fortunate in having
the friends, colleagues, and family that I do."
Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., An Unquiet Mind, 1995, p. 6.
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Bipolar
disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that
causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.
Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the
symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. Bipolar disorder should be regarded
as a spectrum of emotions ranging from extreme depression to extreme happiness
or mania. The individual can range from being severely depressed, to moderately
depressed, to feeling what is usually termed "the blues" when
it is short-lived but is termed "dysthymia" when it is chronic.
Then comes normal or balanced mood, above which comes hypomania (mild to
moderate mania), and then severe mania. For some people symptoms of mania
and depression can even occur simultaneously, referred to as a mixed bipolar
state. This often includes agitation, trouble sleeping, significant change
and appetite, psychosis and suicidal thinking. A person may be very sad
and hopeless but feel energized at the same time. The combination of these
symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance,
and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated,
and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
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More than 2 million
American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18
and older in any given year have bipolar disorder. |
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Bipolar disorder
typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However,
some people develop symptoms during childhood and some develop
them late in life. |
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Bipolar disorder
is often not recognized as an illness and many people suffer
for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. |
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This disorder,
like heart disease and diabetes, is a long-term illness that
must be carefully managed throughout a person's life. |
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A good majority
of people with bipolar disorder are symptom free, but as many
as one-third of people have some residual symptoms. |
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There is a small
percentage of people experience chronic unremitting symptoms
despite treatment. |
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