Bipolar Disorder Pamphlet

By: Loren Drabick

Need help? In the U.S., call
1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline

Bipolar disorder:
a serious mental illness that
is characterized by extreme
changes in mood, from ma-
nia to depression. It can lead
to risky behavior, damaged
relationships and careers,
and even suicidal tendencies
if it's not treated.



Bipolar Disorder in Teens
and Children:
Although bipolar disorder is
more common in older
teenagers and young
adults, it can affect children
as young as 6. Some ex-
perts believe the condition
is rare and over-diagnosed;
others disagree.
Bipolar Disorder in Women:
For example, a woman is likely to
have more symptoms of depression
than mania. And female hormones
and reproductive factors may influ-
ence the condition and its treat-
ment. Research suggests that in
women, hormones may play a role
in the development and severity of
bipolar disorder. One study sug-
gests that late-onset bipolar disor-
der may be associated with meno-
pause. Among women who have
the disorder, almost one in five re-
ported severe emotional disturb-
ances during the transition into
menopause.
Treatment:
Drug Therapy (Medications to regu-
late moods.)

Who is at risk?
More than 10 million Ameri-
cans have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects men
and women equally, as well
as all races, ethnic groups,
and socioeconomic classes.
Although men and women
appear to be equally affect-
ed by bipolar disorder, rapid
cycling is seen more often in
women. Women also tend
to experience more depres-
sive and mixed state epi-
sodes than do men. A man's
first experience with bipolar
disorder may be in a manic
state; women tend to first
experience a depressive
state.