Bipolar Disorder
Mental disorder: episodes of mania and depression
Myth #1
" Its just mood swings"
Wrong
- Bipolar moods are more dramatic and extreme
Symptoms
Manic Episodes
An extremely elevated mood:
- Unaware of negative consequences
- Impulsive behavior and actions
- Can last for days to weeks
Feeling of extreme sadness
- obsessed with feeling of loss, personal failure, or helplessness
- Toughs of suicide increase
- last up to 2 weeks
Myth #2
Medicine can cure bipolar disorder
wrong
- more than 50% of people diagnosed, had symptoms controlled and suppressed , but they do not completely disappear.
Causes
- Genetics
- If a parent has it the child most likely will
- Stress
- Can lead to signs of bipolar disorder
- Drug use
Treatments
Medication
- mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
Stats
1 in 5 people diagnosed commit suicide
- This can occur in either manic or depressive stages
Women are diagnosed 3X more often than men
20% of teens diagnosed, later move into major depressive disorder if not treated
Myth #3
Only adults can have bipolar disorder
worng
- though it is less common for children to be diagnosed it is seen in many teens
Teens
Symptoms
Depression
- Drop in grades
- constantly in trouble ( school/ home/with law)
- Increased violence
- Decreased interest in activities
Mania/Hyper Mania
- Boost in confidence
- Reckless decisions
- Impulsive behavior
- Decreased need for sleep