Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder involving extreme mood swings. A persons mood can swing from mania, an excessive high to a 
deep depression, with periods of normal mood in between. The length of each mood can vary from days to months. 

More than 2.5 million Americans have the disorder. Studies show that 80-90% of those with bipolar disorder have relatives with some form of depression. Bipolar disorder can be triggered by this genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.

Signs and symptoms of mania include:

• Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid 
  talking

• Feel on top of the world

• Overconfident

• Easily irritated or distracted

• Decreased need for sleep

• Uncharacteristically poor judgment

• Increased sexual drive

• Abuse of drugs

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• A persistent sad, helpless and hopeless mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Low self esteem, feelings of worthlessness and guilt

• Agitation or irritability

• Difficulty concentrating or making decision

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment is essential for recovery and bipolar disorder is treatable with medication in combination with therapy. Mood stabilizers and other drugs are available to help manage the different symptoms and newer drugs are becoming available every day. Therapy helps with relationships and learning coping strategies. Support groups are also an important resource for connecting to others, for families and loved ones as well as the person with bipolar disorder.

• For additional information, click on nmha.org and go to Mental Health Information/Fact Sheets 

• For information about bipolar illness or mental health services and programs in your area of Connecticut, please call 1-800-842-1501 ext 10.