Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, can be a serious and debilitating mental illness. This disorder affects one percent (approximately three million people) of the population in the United States. It occurs equally in men and women. Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed that biologic, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in triggering the episodes of this illness. These episodes may last for weeks or months. Bipolar disorder frequently begins in adolescence or young adulthood, and peaks between 20 and 30 years of age. There is no cure for this illness; however, it can be controlled
with medication and other therapies.
Bipolar disorder involves phases of mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder tend to alternate between these two phases. Usually mania is the first episode in males, and depression is the first in females. The manic phase is characterized by feelings of euphoria, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and......
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