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Onset of Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, affects the brain, causing shifts in mood, energy and the ability to function. Bipolar disease may surface gradually or suddenly in children, adolescences or adults.

  1. Children

    • According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "Bipolar disorder can occur in children and adolescents and has been investigated by federally funded teams in children as young as age 6."

    Adolescents

    • The onset of bipolar disorder in adolescents may include symptoms such as irritable mood, sadness and crying, sleeping too much or too little, and withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed.

    Adulthood

    • The onset of bipolar disease before the age of 30 is more severe and episodes are more frequent. Psychosis or obsession is more common at this stage, and symptoms tend to stay active between episodes.

    Middle Age

    • An onset after the age of 40 tends to be less severe and episodes are generally short. An onset later in life in someone with no other medical or psychiatric conditions tends to indicate a better prognosis.

    Onset Symptoms

    • Initial symptoms of bipolar disorder include depression, fatigue, temper outbursts and paranoia.

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