Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder — sometimes called manic-depressive disorder — is associated with mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric and full of energy. Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day. In some cases, bipolar disorder causes symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.

Bipolar disorder is an illness that patients and loved ones should treat seriously. It’s also called manic-depressive illness. This term comes from the fact that patients have large swings in their moods, energy, and ability to complete daily tasks.

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Symptoms

Bipolar disorder symptoms are experiences of depressive episodes. During these times, people may not have the energy to complete daily tasks. In some cases, their moods sink so low that they have suicidal thoughts.

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Manic Symptoms

• High energy

• Difficulty sleeping

• Risky behavior

• Racing thoughts

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Most common themes for adults to seek therapy

• Hopelessness

• Low energy levels

• Too much or too little sleep

• Over or under eating

• Fatigue

• Suicidal thoughts