Gourt > Kids and Teens > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Bipolar Disorder
- For other uses of the term, see: Bipolar
Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a diagnostic category describing a class of mood disorders in which the person experiences states or episodes of depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. Left untreated, it is a severely disabling psychiatric condition. The difference between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder (also called major depression) — for the purpose of this introduction — is that bipolar disorder involves "energized" or "activated" mood states in addition to depressed mood states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with the illness. Fluctuating from one mood state to another is called "cycling" or having mood swings. Mood swings cause impairment not only in one's mood, but also in one's energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and thinking abilities. Many people become fully disabled — for significant periods of time — and during this time have great difficulty functioning.
Etiology or causes
According to the US government's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), "There is no single cause for bipolar disorder—rather, many factors act together to produce the illness." * Let's return to this claim at the end of this section. More on [ Bipolar disorder ]
Bipolar Disorder: The Bipolar Diaries - Days 85 To 88 http://bit.ly/3u1e8A
harpeyton (Falicia Tabetha) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:23:19 -0000
Bipolar Disorder: The Bipolar Diaries - Days 85 To 88 http://bit.ly/3u1e8A
I think my brother has a weird case of bipolar disorder or OCD. Grrrr.
leaisonfiyerrr (Lea Bolante) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:36:21 -0000
I think my brother has a weird case of bipolar disorder or OCD. Grrrr.
RT @WRY999 Autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share common genetic pathways. http://ow.ly/zSuk
rystahl (Ryan Stahl) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:23:36 -0000
RT @WRY999 Autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share common genetic pathways. http://ow.ly/zSuk
Bipolar Disorder: Postpartum Mood Disorders: Genetic Progress and Treatment Paradigms [Editorials] http://bit.ly/3omxNp
harpeyton (Falicia Tabetha) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:04:27 -0000
Bipolar Disorder: Postpartum Mood Disorders: Genetic Progress and Treatment Paradigms [Editorials] http://bit.ly/3omxNp
Bipolar Disorder: Abbott under kickback probe over Depakote sales http://bit.ly/1UtdtA
harpeyton (Falicia Tabetha) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:04:25 -0000
Bipolar Disorder: Abbott under kickback probe over Depakote sales http://bit.ly/1UtdtA
Bipolar Disorder: Lamartine: The Drunken Sleepwalker - Final http://bit.ly/3mRCWZ
harpeyton (Falicia Tabetha) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:04:22 -0000
Bipolar Disorder: Lamartine: The Drunken Sleepwalker - Final http://bit.ly/3mRCWZ
About Pediatric Bipolar Disorder - Describes the symptoms in adolescents and children. Includes details of possible treatment plans and medication.
Bipolar Aware - Presents an overview of the illness with information on different forms of treatment.
Meta Description: [ A family guide about Bipolar Disorder. About recognition, treatment and prevention. Includes forums and chat room. ]
Bipolar Disorder - An information factsheet including descriptions of symptoms, treatments and the way in which the brain is affected.
Meta Description: [ bipolar disorder ]
Bipolar Disorder - An overview of the symptoms and types with information about how to help a friend.
Meta Description: [ Information on depression and bipolar disorder for patients. ]
Let's Talk Facts About Bipolar Disorder - Describes the symptoms, causes and treatments. By the American Psychiatric Association.
McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web - Articles on depression and mania by a former journalist diagnosed with the disorder.
Meta Description: [ 300 articles on depression and bipolar disorder - from diagnosis and treatment to personal essays and experiences - plus discussions, news, newsletter, community, links. ]
MDF The BiPolar Organisation: Bipolar Section - Resources organised in sections with a brief guide to each. Includes information about NHS services and carer's rights in the UK.
TeensHealth: Bipolar Disorder - Article explains what it is, four different types, signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Bipolar disorders are one of several medical conditions called depressive disorders that affect the way a person's brain functions. Find out more about bipolar disorder by reading this article. ]
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What is Bipolar Disorder? - Learn about different mood episodes, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and tools for living with this disorder.
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