mental health disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Introduction
In bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive disorder), episodes of depression alternate with episodes of mania (or a less severe form of mania called hypomania). Mania is characterized by excessive feelings of elation and confidence or physical activity that are greatly out of proportion to the situation, and people may engage in risky behaviors. (See also Overview of Mood Disorders .) Heredity probably plays a part in bipolar disorder. Episodes of depression and mania may occur separately or together. People have one or more periods of excessive sadness and loss of interest in life and one or more periods of elation, extreme energy, and often irritability, with periods of relatively normal mood in between. Doctors base the diagnosis on the pattern of symptoms. Medications that stabilize mood, such aslithiumand certain antiseizure medications, and sometimes psychotherapy can help. The name bipolar disorder is based on the shift in moods between 2 extremes, or poles, of Overview of Mood Disorders — Most bipolar disorders can be classified as either Bipolar I disorder:People have had at least one full-fledged manic episode (one that prevents them from functioning normally or that includes delusions) and usually have also had depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder:People have had major depressive episodes and at least one less severe manic (hypomanic) episode, but no full-fledged manic episodes. However, some people have episodes that resemble a bipolar disorder but are milder and do not meet the specific criteria for bipolar I or II disorder. Such episodes may be classified as an unspecified bipolar disorder or Cyclothymic Disorder . Certain general medical conditions, medications, and illicit drugs can cause symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder. 