| Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder marked by | | | | helplessness, pessimism and agitation, as well as |
| extreme shifts in a person's mood and disposition. | | | | weight fluctuation, disturbed sleep patterns and a loss |
| Periods of intense mania are followed by bouts of | | | | of interest in life. Suicidal thoughts may be present |
| severe depression, often with periods of normalcy in | | | | during prolonged periods of depression as well. |
| between. While on either end of the spectrum, | | | | The importance of recognizing the symptoms of |
| sufferers of bipolar disorder often find it difficult to | | | | bipolar disorder cannot be overstated as many who |
| concentrate and maintain functionality sufficient for | | | | suffer from it are improperly diagnosed because of |
| leading a productive life. Those who experience | | | | the nature of their condition. Sufferers may feel that |
| severe episodes of depression and hypomania are | | | | the extreme shifts in mood they are experiencing are |
| classified as suffering from bipolar II disorder, which | | | | simply the ebb and flow of life. They may seek help |
| women are diagnosed with more often than men. It is | | | | during periods of depression and not disclose their |
| estimated that over two million Americans have a | | | | manic behavior because they associate it with |
| form of bipolar disorder, although many may be | | | | happiness or normalcy. Recent attention paid to bipolar |
| unaware of it. Bipolar disorder can develop at any time, | | | | disorder and bipolar II disorder in the media, however, |
| however, most will experience the onset of symptoms | | | | has helped to educate the population. Just as both |
| in the post adolescence/early adulthood phase of their | | | | forms of bipolar disorder have become more widely |
| life. Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be treated but | | | | recognized by the medical community, the general |
| must be managed for long term success. Recognizing | | | | public is also more aware than ever of their existence. |
| the symptoms of bipolar disorder is often the first step | | | | Guidance is available for those who exhibit some of |
| toward proper diagnosis and treatment. | | | | the symptoms of bipolar disorder as there are now |
| The manic phases of bipolar disorder can be marked | | | | many excellent resources for detailed information, both |
| by an increase in energy, restlessness, irritability, the | | | | in print and on the web. Anyone who feels they may |
| inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, euphoria, | | | | be suffering from bipolar disorder should always |
| irrational thought and limited sleep, among other | | | | consult their physician. With proper treatment, those |
| symptoms. The depression phase of bipolar disorder | | | | who have experienced the debilitating nature of this |
| can be marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, | | | | affliction can go on to lead healthy, productive lives. |