Statistics about Bipolar

2.8 PERCENT

OF THE U.S POPULATION IS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER.

2.8 PERCENT

OF MALES AND FEMALES IN THE UNITED STATES SUFFER FROM BIPOLAR DISORDER AT THE SAME RATES, WHICH ARE AT 2.9 AND 2.8 PERCENT, RESPECTIVELY.

83 PERCENT

OF CASES ARE CLASSIFIED AS SEVERE.

5 Fast Facts about Bipolar Disorder

1

The average person has four episodes of mania or depression during the first 10 years of the illness.

2

Bipolar disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can sometimes start in early childhood.

3

Suicide is the number one cause of premature death among people with bipolar disorder.

4

People with bipolar disorder consult three to four doctors and spend more than eight years seeking treatment before they receive a correct diagnosis.

5

Bipolar disorder is associated with other health problems such as substance abuse.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Extreme Irritability

Anxiety

Loss of Interest in Activities

Trouble Concentrating

Feelings of Helplessness

Overeating or Appetite Loss

Presistent Sad Feelings

Bipolar Mania

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Mania is a period of extremely high energy or mood. During mania your mood is elevated but, not at a comfortable or controllable level.

Bipolar Depression

A depressive episode is defined as a period of depression that lasts at least two weeks, although it usually lasts much longer. During depressive episode, the individual experiences extremely low moods, sometimes to the point of not being able to get out of bed.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to think clearly. Many people associate bipolar disorder with mood swings, but the condition is much more complex than that. People with bipolar disorder do experience highs and lows called mania and depression but these changes in mood tend to last weeks at a time.

1) BIPOLAR I DISORDER

Characterized by manic episodes that last at least 7 days or result in hospitalization followed by periods of depression that last at least 2 weeks.

2) BIPOLAR II DISORDER

Described as stretches of depression and high mood but not as severe as bipolar I

3) CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Described as a mental and behavioral disorder that causes numerous periods of symptoms of depression and periods of elevated moods.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

There is no single factor that is considered responsible for the development of bipolar disorder. However some studies have shown that these can be some common risk factors for the cause of Bipolar Disorder.

GENETICS

Bipolar disorder can run in families but many people who have bipolar disorder do not have a family history of the condition.

STRESS

Stressful events can trigger a manic or depressive episode.

BRAIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Researchers have found subtle differences in the average size or activation of same brain structures in people with bipolar disorder.

CHRONIC SEVERE ALCOHOLIC

Started drinking at a young age; the majority have a family history of alcoholism; often smoke cigarettes and suffer from dependence on other substances; often experiences legal troubles.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition that can be managed in several ways. With a good treatment plan, many people live well with the condition.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy – the focus of CBT is identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones.

Family-focused therapy – family support and communication can help you stick with your treatment plan and help you and your loved ones recognize and manage warning signs of mood swings.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) – promotes better mood management by focusing on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking and mealtimes.

Medications

Mood stabilizers – to control manic or hypomanic episodes.

Antipsychotics – can be added if symptoms persist even with other medications.

Antidepressants – can be prescribed to help manage depression and may be prescribed along with a mood stabilizer to prevent manic episodes.

Day treatment programs – your doctor may recommend a day treatment program. These programs provide support and counseling while you get symptoms under control.

Self-management strategies – such as psychoeducation. Learning about bipolar disorder can help you and your loved ones understand the condition and stick to a treatment plan.

Complementary health strategies – these are not treatments in themselves, but strategies such as yoga and exercise can supplement your treatment.

Statistics about Bipolar

2.8

PERCENT

OF THE U.S POPULATION IS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER.

2.8

PERCENT

OF MALES AND FEMALES IN THE UNITED STATES SUFFER FROM BIPOLAR DISORDER AT THE SAME RATES, WHICH ARE AT 2.9 AND 2.8 PERCENT, RESPECTIVELY.

83

PERCENT

OF CASES ARE CLASSIFIED AS SEVERE.

5

Fast Facts about Bipolar Disorder

1

2

3

4

5

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Extreme Irritability

Anxiety

Loss of Interest in Activities

Trouble Concentrating

Feelings of Helplessness

Overeating or Appetite Loss

Presistent Sad Feelings

Bipolar Mania

Bipolar Depression

Types of Bipolar Disorder

1) BIPOLAR I DISORDER

2) BIPOLAR II DISORDER

3) CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

GENETICS

STRESS

BRAIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

CHRONIC SEVERE ALCOHOLIC

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy

Medications

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