Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Bipolar disorder

Definition

Since High to low. Mania to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the edges associated with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by mood instability that can be serious and disable. Bipolar disorder is also recognized as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic activities are one extreme of this disorder, and depression is the other.

The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too. Today, a growing volume of research suggests that bipolar disorder occurs across a spectrum of symptoms, and that many people aren't correctly diagnosed. Left untreated, bipolar disorder generally worsens, and the suicide rate is high among those with bipolar disorder. But with effective treatment, you can live an enjoyable and productive life despite bipolar disorder.

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