Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder results in dramatic mood swings in the sufferer. This psychological disorder is characterized by perpetual shifts between manic and depressive phases. During the manic phase, one may feel unnaturally confident, energetic, and out of control. The depressive phase shares many symptoms with major depression.

In a given year approximately one percent of the population will experience bipolar disorder, according to NIMH. The disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. Bipolar is the only depressive disorder that is not heavily skewed toward women.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic Phase

Depressive Phase

Differences by Gender

Bipolar in Women

Women experience bipolar disorder with roughly the same frequency as men. Women, however, often have more pronounced depressive phrases rather than manic phases. Women are more likely to rapidly cycle between phases; three times as often as men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Bipolar in Men

Men often experience more pronounced manic phases than women. Early onset is also more associated with males, as is substance abuse.

Bipolar by Age Group

The onset of bipolar disorder occurs most often in adolescence and young adulthood. Onset after age 40 is less common, though drug or alcohol abuse is thought to be associated with late-onset bipolar disorder. Other research suggests that individuals with a late onset may simply not have had the potential triggers or risk factors associated with early onset, such as high stress and a family history of depressive illness.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and young adolescents is possible, and may be associated with disruptive behavior disorders such as ADHD. Bipolar with a childhood onset typically presents rapid cycling and may be a more severe form of the illness.

Sponsored Links

Books on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Links