What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depressive disorder, a mental illness that affects more than 5 million adults in the United States.   Bipolar disorder causes severe shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior that vary in severity and duration. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder are prone to wide swings in mood that affect energy and activity levels.

At What Age Does Bipolar Disorder Manifest?

Bipolar disorder can develop at a young age; however, it is most common to present itself in your twenties. Onset of bipolar disorder is most likely to happen at or around the age of 25. You may be at an increased risk for developing bipolar disorder if you have experienced major childhood trauma, have a family history of mood disorders, or struggle with a substance abuse disorder. For additional information on bipolar treatment and care please reach out to our clinic anytime during our business hours.

What are the seven signs of bipolar disorder?

There are many signs of bipolar disorder. Some are more obvious than others, but all will give you clues and help you determine if you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder. Those who are suffering from bipolar disorder may exhibit the following:

• Tend to be in a good mood much of the time and appear euphoric and full of energy. This doesn’t mean that they don’t get sad or depressed – it just means that they spend more time feeling good than they do feeling bad.
• Talking excessively and talking very fast or very slow.
• Depressive episodes.
• Changes in sleeping patterns.
• Racing thoughts. They may jump from one topic to the next without waiting for you to respond.
• Increased energy.
• Impulsiveness.

Treatment

Although there is no cure, the condition is treatable. Treatment focuses on learning how to manage mood swings and symptoms. Gaining a better understanding of your triggers will help you to respond better to your own emotions. Other forms of treatment include medication, individual or group counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.