Bipolar Disorder: A Guide to the National Institute of Mental Health

This booklet from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides comprehensive information about bipolar disorder in adults. It covers the disorder's definition, symptoms, long-term effects, contributing factors, diagnosis and treatment, and how to help others with it.What is bipolar disorder?Definition: “Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.”Severity: Symptoms are severe and differ from normal mood swings.Impact: This can lead to “damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.”Treatment: “But bipolar disorder is treatable, and people with the condition can live full and productive lives.”Age: It usually develops in the late teens or early adulthood, with at least half of cases beginning before age 25. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.