Bipolar Disorder
Monica Gutierrez
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Adults
1,000,000
900,000
A serious and disabling
illness also known as
manic-depressive
illness. It affects more
that 2 million American
adults, or about 1
percent of the
population age 18 or
older.
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
Children
400,000
300,000
Children
200,000
100,000
Adults
0
Manic
Depression
Adults
Children
Signs and Symptoms
Bipolar disorder can range from mild
transition to a severe condition. It is
characterized by an alternating pattern of
emotional highs (mania) and lows
(depression). Intensity of the signs and
symptoms varies.
Manic Signs
Rapid Speech
Poor judgment and
recklessness
Difficulty sleeping
Easily distracted
Extreme irritability
Inflated self-esteem
Depression Signs
Persistent feelings of
sadness, anxiety, etc.
Fatigue and loss of
interest in daily activities.
Recurring thoughts of
suicide.
Difficulty in concentrating.
Loss of sleep and
appetite.
Causes
Drug abuse
Traumatic events
Differences in
chemical
messengers
between nerve
cells
Genetic
disposition
Screening and Diagnosis
Mood disorders
Schizophrenia
ADHD
Borderline personality disorder
Treatment
Medication
Psychotherapy
ECT (electroconclusive
therapy)
Self - Care
Take Medications
Pay attention to warning
signs
Avoid drugs and alcohol
When to Seek Medical Advice
People with this illness often
don’t recognize how
impaired they are when
experiencing a mood
episode.
Coping Skills
National Mental
Health Association
(NMHA)
National Alliance for
the Mentally Ill
(NAMI)
National Institute of
Mental Health
(NIMH)
Summary Slide
Signs and Symptoms
Manic Signs
Depression Signs
Causes
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment
Self - Care
When to Seek Medical Advice