Bipolar Disorder - By Category
Bipolar for Beginners
Straightforward, easy to understand information about bipolar disorder for beginners who have just been diagnosed, people who have learned that a friend or loved one has bipolar, or anyone wanting to learn more about the illness many still call manic depression.
Celebrities and Mental Illnesses
Struggling with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and depression can often make life seem bleak and future prospects seem blurred. It can be inspirational to learn that someone famous, someone who has achieved apparent success understands the same battles. Found here is a compilation of articles about famous people who have, who understand, who advocate for those with mental illnesses.
Diagnosis & Symptoms
These pages contain articles and links regarding information about the characteristics and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression), diagnostic criteria, and what the warning signs of depression, mania and suicide look like to an observer.
Children & Teens
While a great deal of controversy still exists regarding the diagnosis criteria for children with bipolar disorder (manic depression), early onset bipolar disorder is now generally accepted. Found here are resources relating to children who have this disorder.
Medications
An array of medication is used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is not uncommon for an individual to take several different types of drugs and to make frequent changes to achieve an acceptable balance between stability and side effects. Found here are resources and information to better understand the drugs prescribed.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder (manic depression) has yet to be determined, there is a great deal of scientific evidence that indicates a chemical imbalance in the brain. As for what causes this imbalance, there are a number of viable theories, which center on a combination of heredity and environmental triggers. Presented here is information relevant to these theories.
Family Issues
Bipolar Disorder, as with any major illness, affects the entire family. Found here are resources that address family issues such as adoption, parenting, pregnancy and support.
Coping & Support Resources for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (manic depression) for the diagnosed individual as well as family and friends so often creates a sense of isolation and can seem quite overwhelming. People feel like they are alone with nowhere to turn. Well, you are not alone! Found here are resources and links highlighting venues of support and advocacy as well as those to add a little inspiration and laughter.
Forms of Bipolar Disorder
There are a number of different forms or classifications for bipolar disorder (manic depression) such as Bipolar I or II and Cyclothymia. Found here are resources specific to each of these forms.
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
The treatment of bipolar disorder (manic depression) is usually two fold – medications and therapy. Found here are resources relating to the various types of therapy utilized in the treatment of mental illnesses. This also includes information relating to hospitalization, research studies that offer treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and some alternative therapies.
Impact on Life
As with any mental illness, bipolar disorder has an impact on all aspects of a person’s life, from dating to how we are viewed in terms of crime, from the workplace to the myths and stigma we encounter. Read about issues revolving around bipolar disorder's effects on you personally and those with bipolar disorder as a group.
Personal Stories & Literature About Bipolar Disorder
There is a wealth of excellent material available on the topic of bipolar disorder (manic depression). The book shelves are bursting with excellent reading. There are also some wonderful stories and sites on the internet by people who have bipolar disorder. Reading these resources and insights, these struggles and successes can improve our knowledge and bring inspiration.
Legal Issues
Bipolar disorder (manic depression) creates a number of legal issues for both the consumer and their loved-ones. Found here are resources and information relating to these issues such as disability, insurance and involuntary commitment.
Suicide
Suicide is a very real issue for those with bipolar disorder (manic depression). The estimates are as high as 20% of people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder will kill themselves. That's one out of every five! And as many as 50% - half! - of all people with this disorder may attempt suicide at least once in their lives. Found here are resources and information relating to this topic.
Impact on Health
Bipolar disorder falls along a spectrum of related mood disorders such as depression. There are also a number of disorders that can present similar symptoms i.e. schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. Further, some problems such as addiction and anxiety occur concomitantly with bipolar disorder. Found here are resources and information regarding these illnesses.