1. Bipolar Disorder

2. Bipolar disorder is marked by two distinctive phases manic and depression; hence the term Manic-Depressive. Bipolar causes shifts in mood, inability to function and carry out daily tasks, affects energy, as well as activity levels.

3. Mood Changes • A long period of euphoria-extremely happy • Life of the party; Socially outgoing; Thrilling • Excessive irritability Behaviors • Excessive; rapid speech • Racing thoughts and flights of ideas • Taking on several activities and tasks at one time • Restless, Impulsive • Unrealistic Beliefs • High Risk Behaviors, such as dangerous sexual activity, drug use Manic Phase Manic Phase

4. Mood Changes • Extended period of hopelessness and sadness • Lost of interest in pleasurable activities Behaviors • Issues with remembering • Tiredness and sluggish • Hard to make decisions, nonchalant attitude • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns • Thoughts of death, suicidal-include attempts • Irritated easily, angry, and restless Depressive Phase

5. Bipolar usually onsets in late teens/early adult • Approximately ½ of all cases are before the age of 25 • However, some folks may have symptoms in childhood and late adult life. Treatments • Antipsychotics • Antidepressants • Mood Stabilizers • Psycho-Therapy Persons at Risk-common Treatments

6. For additional information see: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/ • If you are thinking about hurting yourself, or know someone who maybe in a crisis, seek help immediately • Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things. • Call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor. • Make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone. Resource