Relevant Bipolar disorder facts

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is one of the many mood disorders or abnormal psychological conditions characterized by extreme, repetitive swings in mood over prolonged periods in life. In such swings, the thoughts and energy of the person are changed such that he/she shows maladaptive behavior. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania (high energy and elated thought) and depression (low energy and blues). The duration of these mood conditions vary from hours to weeks and even months. In some cases, however, symptoms of mania and depression may occur together in a state called Mixed Bipolar State. Bipolar disorder facts show that over 2 million adult Americans suffer every year from it.

Onset is usually in late adolescence or early adult life (90% of cases start before age 20). However, some children do develop the first symptoms and it may well attack in older age. In many cases, it remains unnoticed as an abnormality and hence it is difficult to determine the exact age when the patient started to suffer from it.

Two main types of bipolar disorder are commonly known: bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. In the former case, the patient has experienced at least one episode of high mania. In bipolar II, the patient has not met a full mania but has experienced at least one episode of hypomania (milder form of elation). Numerous episodes of hypomania alternating with depression are called cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar occurs in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. Men and women equally suffer from it, though women have been reported to experience more rapid cycling of mood swings. Also, over two thirds of the victims have at least one close relative suffering from the disorder or from major depression, a fact pointing to hereditary character of diseases in many cases.