Bipolar Disorder

Signs and Symptoms

Mania

    • Excessively "high," euphoric mood
    • Extreme irritability
    • Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
    • Racing thoughts or fast speech
    • Distractibility or difficulty concentrating
    • Agitation
    • Spending sprees
    • Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
    • Increased sexual drive
    • Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
    • Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
    • Denial that anything is wrong

Depression

    • Persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
    • Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, including sex
    • Withdrawal from friends and family
    • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
    • Feeling tired or rundown

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person experiences extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression). During a manic episode, a person’s mood is excessively "high," irritable, or aggressive. It is common for a person who is manic to think that nothing is wrong with their behavior even though it is extremely distressing to family and friends.

During a depressive episode, a person may feel sad or lose interest in previously enjoyable activities. Someone with bipolar disorder can experience a variety of mood patterns, such as having mostly episodes of mania or mostly episodes of depression. Another person may cycle rapidly between the two. It is also possible for someone to remain symptom-free for extended periods of time.

Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed in people of college age. Bipolar disorder can affect your ability to work, study, interact with people, or take care of yourself. Most people with bipolar disorder have more episodes of depression than mania. Less dramatic manic states, called hypomanic episodes, can be subtle and go unnoticed by others.

It is not uncommon for people who have bipolar disorder to think about suicide, and it is important to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having these thoughts.

Dealing with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with counseling and/or medication. While bipolar disorder does run in families, environmental factors such as extreme stress, sleep disruption, and drug or alcohol use may trigger bipolar disorder. Medications are certainly important; however, a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise and sleep; effective coping skills; a support network; psychotherapy; and religious/spiritual practice can all contribute to the successful management of bipolar disorder. While bipolar disorder is highly manageable, the treatment of bipolar disorder is usually life-long.

People with bipolar disorder can and do hold positions of authority everywhere. When properly diagnosed and treated, people with bipolar disorder can have highly successful careers. 70% or more of people with bipolar disorder respond well to medication that helps reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes. A combination of professional counseling and medication helps most people return to productive and fulfilling lives.

Resources

Help is often available on or around your school or campus through the following resources:

    • Student counseling center
    • Student health service
    • Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, teachers, or faculty
    • School religious or spiritual leader
    • Community mental health center
    • Local crisis center or hotlines
  • Find help now

For immediate assistance, contact these services:

United States:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.

Helpline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

International:

Samaritans

Provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide – in the United Kingdom and in many other regions around the world

For further information:

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Offers information on depression and bipolar disorder as well as listings to patient support groups across the USA.

Helpline: (800) 826-3632

Mental Health America

Dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.

Helpline: (866) 615-6464

National Institute of Mental Health

News, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, organizations on bipolar disorder provided by National Institute of Mental Health.