| Bipolar affective disorder is commonly known as | | | | Bipolar affective disorder not only affects men, but it |
| "manic depression". It can often be characterized by | | | | can also affect women equally. Even people in higher |
| the episodes of depression in which one's mood is | | | | social classes are just as prone as low class |
| abnormally low. If one is experiencing mania or | | | | individual's. It has been determined that the humans |
| hypomania their mood is abnormally elevated with a | | | | will suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some |
| heightened mental and often physical activity. There | | | | point in one's life. |
| is often times when an individual will be able to | | | | Stressful events; illness; or a lack of support can |
| experience normal moods. This is a very serious | | | | trigger an episode of bipolar affective disorder. Also |
| condition but it can be helped with the proper | | | | you will find that differences in one's genes can make |
| treatment. | | | | one more vulnerable than others to develop bipolar |
| Bipolar affective disorder may make one feel down | | | | affective disorder. |
| or depressed with normal everyday life. The | | | | Often an individual may experience one or more |
| depressive moods will worsen , and go on for longer | | | | episodes and never be ill again. There are others that |
| periods of time making it hard for an individual to deal | | | | are persistently experiencing the symptoms of |
| with their daily life. | | | | depression or mania. They are quick to move from |
| Manic depression can vary in time. An individual may | | | | one extreme to another. Individual's can suffer nine |
| experience very abnormal emotions. It has been | | | | or more episodes in one's life time. |
| known that the one suffering loses contact with | | | | Often treatment is carried out in a hospital. Mood |
| reality and starts to believe in strange things or | | | | stabilizers such as lithium are often used to prevent |
| experience poor judgment and behavior that is quiet | | | | mania and depression.It is important to treat them |
| embarrassing. This can be very harmful and | | | | when they occur. |
| dangerous. | | | | Antidepressant drugs such as Prozac are often used |
| These episodes may be accompanied by: | | | | to treat depressive episodes. |
| Unusual confidence | | | | Neuroleptics are tranquilizers that are used to treat |
| Needing less sleep | | | | the manic depression. |
| More talkative | | | | Family and friends often play an important role in |
| Racing thoughts | | | | helping their loved ones in recovering. Often , |
| Distraction | | | | psychological therapies and cognitive behavioral |
| Unusual restless or active | | | | therapy is used. |
| Problems at home; work; or school | | | | It is very helpful in recognizing the early signs of this |
| Depressive symptoms | | | | illness and to seek immediate treatment. |