What Is the Meaning of Bipolar?

Almost 10 percent of Americans have a mood disorder and nearly 3 percent have bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder causes severe shifts in moods.

Types

• There are two types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I is characterized by manic episodes that last at least a week, while bipolar II involves shifting moods but not full-blown mania.

Identification

• People who have bipolar disorder go from one extreme mood to another: very happy to very depressed or vice versa. They often talk of suicide, are easily distracted and experience changes in their sleep patterns and eating habits.

Causes

• While there is no one specific cause of bipolar disorder, many doctors believe it can be caused by a combination of factors, including a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics and stress.

Effects

• Bipolar disorder can cause a person to have problems at work and with personal relationships. Sufferers may attempt to harm themselves and even commit suicide.

Treatment

• While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, there are medications that lessen the effects and help stabilize mood swings, including antidepressants and lithium.

Famous Ties

• Famous people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder are Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.