Bipolar Disorder: the Basic Fact Sheet

BIPOLAR DISORDER THE BASIC FACT SHƐƐT Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious mental disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning FACTS & FIGURES It affects 2.3 Million Americans (1.2% of the population). 7 out 10 people 111 11111 with bipolar disorder receive one misdiagnosis. 30% of people An equal number of men and women develop the illness and with untreated bipolar it is found among all ages, races, disorder commit suicide. ethnic groups and social classes. SYMPTOMS There are two phases of bipolar disorder: Depressed phase Manic phase Increased energy Sadness Unusual talkativeness Uncontrollable crying Racing thoughts Anxiety Loss of interest or enjoyment in actitivies Little need for sleep Withdrawal from Inflated self esteem family and friends Spending sprees Excessive guilt TREATMENT While there is no cure for the illness, it is a treatable and manageable condition. Treatments include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medications Psychotherapy Electroconvulsive (ie. Lithium) therapy THE UPSIDƐ OF BIPOLAR DISORDER: CREATIVITY Many of those with bipolar experience tremendous creativity during a manic episode and this can lead to great productivity in their work life. We've seen great contributions to the arts from those with bipolar. Some famous faces of the disorder include: Edgar Florence Vincent Ernest Catherine Robert Allan Poe Nightingale Van Gogh Hemingway Zeta-Jones Downey Jr. Sources: http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder Infographic Design: http://brfa.avenue.org/BADFactSheet.pdf Cristina Gambaccini Original website: www.healthline.com Courtesy of Healthline Connect to Better Health