Bipolar disorder is a serious brain disorder. Also known as manic-depressive illness, it is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person’s mood usually swings from overly “high” and irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. It has no simple cause, but there is strong evidence that it is associated with changes to various brain chemicals. The precise way in which this happens is not yet known. It may be triggered by the stress of everyday life or a traumatic event or, in rare cases, physical trauma such as a head injury.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder vary and may include:
Mania Symptoms
- Feeling overly happy, “high,” or elated for long stretches of time
- Easily agitated, jumpy or twitchy
- Talking very fast, racing thoughts
- Extreme restlessness or impulsivity
- Impaired judgment
- Unrealistic overconfidence in your abilities or powers
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as impulsive sex, gambling, big spending sprees
Depression Symptoms
- Feeling sad or hopeless for long periods of time
- Withdrawal from friends and family, and/or a loss of interest in activities
- Significant loss or increase in appetite
- Severe fatigue or lack of energy
- Slow speech
- Problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making
- Thoughts or attempts of suicide, or a preoccupation with death
This is a new study on bipolar disorder. Please contact Lehigh Center for Clinical Research for details.
