Bipolar disorder - sometimes also called manic-depressive illness - is a medical illness much like heart disease, diabetes or any other physical illness or condition.
Bipolar disorder is more than the usual ups and downs of life. It is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. Most people with bipolar disorder go back and forth between mania and depression. Some people have both feelings at the same time, which is called a state.
More than 2 million Americans have bipolar disorder. It can happen to anyone, no matter what age you are or where you come from.
Bipolar disorder often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.
Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated.
Bipolar disorder is typically a lifelong illness and most often begins in the later teenage years or early adulthood. It commonly runs in families - but not always - and affects more than 2 million Americans.
Bipolar disorder is a very treatable illness. While this illness often has a significant impact on individuals' families, friends and significant others, treatment is readily available - and when properly followed, is often successful.
A child has a much greater chance of having bipolar disorder if there is a family history of the disorder or depression. This means that parents cannot choose whether or not their children will have bipolar disorder.
Although bipolar disorder affects at least 750,000 children in the United States, it is often difficult to recognize and diagnose in children. If left untreated, the disorder puts a child at risk for school failure, drug abuse, and suicide. That is why it is important that you seek the advice of a qualified professional when trying to find out if your child has bipolar disorder.
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