Bipolar Disorder: Most Popular Articles

Bipolar disorder medications A to Z
An alphabetical menu of links to information on some of the drugs most commonly prescribed in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.

Mania Warning Signs
These red flags are the early warning signs of mania or hypomania, which may indicate one phase of bipolar disorder or manic depression.

Red Flags to Bipolar Disorder
Behaviors and symptoms that are warning signs of Bipolar Disorder in adults and children.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder is mood swings of depression and mania. It can also feature mixed episodes, rapid cycling, psychotic features and other complications. Suicide is another serious issue for those diagnosed with this disorder. Further, a great deal more is now known about the symptoms associated with early-onset bipolar disorder in children.

Bipolar Child Warning Signs
A list of the common symptoms of manic depressive children as presented in 'The Bipolar Child' by Demitri Papolos, MD and Janice Papolos.

What Causes BP?
Bipolar disorder - also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness - is a serious illness that can be devastating if not controlled. This article presents what researchers now consider to be the most likely causes of bipolar disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a disease; it is a medical condition that causes psychological problems to such a degree that daily functioning is hampered by the symptoms. The most prominent symptoms include extremes of mood known as depression and mania. These emotional extremes are usually beyond normal responses to events and often last for extended periods of time. Psychosis and suicide are also concerns for those diagnosed with this disorder.

How is BP Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder is not as easy as diagnosing a cold or even diabetes. It takes time and careful analysis of the patient's mental, medical and family history.

Treating Bipolar Disorder
A treatment plan for bipolar disorder primarily consists of pharmacological intervention (medications) with therapy as a possible additional intervention. At times, psychiatric hospitalizations may be necessary. There are also treatment options that are less common and those that are usually considered only in extreme circumstances.

What is Bipolar Disorder?
Textbook definitions of bipolar disorder may not be very enlightening. Here we begin our definition of manic depression in easy to understand language.

Depression Warning Signs
These red flags are the early warning signs of depression, which is one phase or mood of bipolar disorder or manic depression.

SSRI Discontinuation 1
A look at the causes and symptoms of SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome, which can occur when a person stops taking or reduces dosage of certain antidepressants.

DMX
DMX (Dark Man X), born Earl Simmons on December 18, 1970, is one of hip-hop's most beloved and influential heroes. DMX has admitted to having bipolar disorder but has since tried to deny it.

Lithium General Side Effects
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community talk about the side effects they experienced when taking Lithium, which is used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness.

What is Bipolar II?
How does Bipolar II disorder differ from Bipolar I? Answers in our FAQ.

Community Support and News
Quick reference guide to all the support resources available to you here at the About Bipolar Disorder website, including chat, forums, volunteer staff information and newsletters.

What is Grandiosity?
Grandiosity is a symptom of Bipolar Disorder - manic depression - here is a concise definition.

Bipolar Celebrities
A list of famous people with bipolar disorder, past and present. Some celebrities are confirmed bipolars, some are now judged historically to have been manic depressive.

Abilify Medication Profile
Abilify - generic Aripiprazole - is approved to treat schizophrenia and the manic and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder. It is also approved for maintenance use in bipolar disorder, and as adjunctive treatment in adults (only) with major depressive disorder. Article covers major warnings and side effects, therapeutic advantages and other key information.

Recognize a Manic Episode
Here is assistance with recognizing the symptoms and behaviors of bipolar mania in persons suffering from manic depression (bipolar affective disorder).

Klonopin Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Klonopin or Rivotril (generic Clonazepam), which may be prescribed for anxiety associated with bipolar disorder. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine.

Bipolar Disorder & Disability
Can those with bipolar disorder qualify for disability from the U.S. Social Security Administration? Learn about your access to Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income if you have bipolar disorder.

Sex Sex Sex and More Sex
Hypersexuality is often a symptom of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. But if this escalates into an obsession, the person may have developed a sexual addiction.

Effexor
Information about Effexor (venlafaxine), an antidepressant used especially for treatment-resistant depression and also for long-term anxiety.

Jean-Claude Van Damme
Martial arts actor Jean-Claude Van Damme's bipolar disorder led him into cocaine addiction and charges of spousal abuse.

Sylvia Plath
Poet Sylvia Plath suffered from extreme bipolar depression that profoundly affected her work and ultimately led to her suicide at the age of 30.

What Benefits Will I Get?
In considering disability, an important question that always arises is the value of the benefits that will be provided if your application is successful. Given the cost in time and frustration, is the return worth the investment? The answer to these questions will greatly depend on your specific circumstances.

Do I Qualify for Disability?
The Social Security Administration has a formula for determining if an individual is considered disabled. There are five basic steps that must be met in order to qualify for disability. Here is an outline of these steps.

SSRI Discontinuation 2
Practical tips for tapering off antidepressants that cannot safely be stopped all at once.

Ativan Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Ativan - generic Lorazepam - which is an antianxiety medication and also a mild tranquilizer and sedative. This prescription drug may be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Abilify Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Abilify - generic name Aripiprazole - which is an antipsychotic medication sometimes prescribed to treat schizophrenia and psychotic features of bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. From About Bipolar Disorder.

Blake Le Vine
Blake Le Vine was a teen prodigy making the meteoric rise from celebrity autograph hound to becoming a celebrity in his own right and then, without warning, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His teen years proved to quite turbulent until he found the right combination of fantastic doctor and medications.

Light Therapy
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy and light box therapy, is the use of light to treat disorders. It has become a widely used remedy for mental illnesses such as seasonal affective disorder and some research supports it benefits for sleep disturbances, depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizoaffective disorder and even premenstrual syndrome.

Xanax Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for Xanax / Alprazolam, an antianxiety medication which may be prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder / manic depression and other mental disorders.

Neurotransmitters - how the brain sends messages
Using the illustrated story 'GABAs in the 'Hood,' this article gives beginners a look at how messages are transmitted from one nerve cell to the next or to muscles.

Lithium Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Lithium - sold under various brand names - prescribed as a mood stabilizer in treating bipolar disorder.

What Are Racing Thoughts?
When a bipolar person has racing thoughts, it doesn't mean he or she is just thinking quickly. Racing thoughts can be very uncomfortable and disturbing.

What is Dysphoria?
Dysphoria is an elusive term at best - the dictionary definition does not make it clear at all. Here dysphoria is defined as it relates to bipolar disorder.

Depakote Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the generic medications Valproic Acid and Divalproex Sodium, sold under many brand names including Depakote and Depakene. These anticonvulsants are frequently used as mood stabilizers in the management of bipolar disorder aka manic depression.

Celexa Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Celexa / Citalopram, an antidepressant sometimes prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

Wellbutrin Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Bupropion, which is marketed under the brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban. This medication is often prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, and Zyban is well-known as a treatment to quit smoking.

Valium Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Valium - generic Diazepam - a benzodiazepine antianxiety medication sometimes prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Difference Between BP1 & BP2?
The United States version of the clinically defined differences between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder, in clear English.

What Is Pressured Speech?
Pressured speech is one of the symptoms of bipolar mania or hypomania. Here is a clear definition of pressured speech.

Wellbutrin Med Profile
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant also sold as Zyban to help people quit smoking. The generic name is Bupropion HCl.

Lamictal Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the anticonvulsant Lamictal - generic Lamotrigine - sometimes prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Hallucinations
We hear jokes about hallucinations, but do you know what they really are? People with Bipolar I disorder as well as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder experience various kinds of hallucinations. Learn more here.

Tegretol Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Carbamazepine, which is often prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder, as well as for epilepsy. Common brand names include Tegretol and Epitol - there are many others in different countries.

Flight of Ideas
One of the symptoms of bipolar mania is called "flight of ideas." This is where thoughts are moving so quickly that it is impossible to speak quickly enough to keep up with them, thus the speaker keeps changing subjects in midstream.

Effexor Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Effexor - generic name Venlafaxine - an antidepressant sometimes prescribed for use in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Anticholinergic
Anticholinergic - blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. More ...

Axl Rose
Heavy metal star Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses has been diagnosed manic depressive, but says lithium does not help him. With his history, bipolar illness is only one possibility.

Celebrities - C & D
Found here is the C and D portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Margot Kidder
Canadian-born actress Margot Kidder has bipolar disorder which has caused her severe problems. She now says orthomolecular medicine is her answer.

Paxil Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the antidepressant Paxil - generic Paroxetine - which is an SSRI medication sometimes prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.[p]

Prozac Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for Prozac - generic Fluoxetine - which is a prescription medication used in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Rapid Cycling Explained
The official definition of rapid cycling is having 4 or more distinct episodes of depression and hypo/mania in one year, originally with periods of normal mood between episodes. But Nowadays, all kinds of different patterns of illness are all mixed up together under the heading of rapid cycling. For example, if you go from one episode DIRECTLY into another type of episode, with no normal mood period in between, this is a 'switch.' The terminology is very confusing; guest author Kaduna clarifies!

Warning Signs of Suicide
These red flags are the warning signs that a person may be planning suicide. People with bipolar disorder or manic depression often exhibit suicidal behavior.

Carrie Fisher
Actress/writer Carrie Fisher's bipolar disorder first appeared during adolescence, and has manifested itself in drug and alcohol addiction since then - yet she has come back again and again.

Lithium History / How It Works
The discovery that lithium was a mood stabilizer for manic depression came 50 years before scientists unlocked the secret to how it works.

Lithium: Why the Fat?
Lithium causes weight gain. No one knows why yet, but here are some theories.

Lithium: Specific Side Effects
Bipolar patients talk about specific side effects of Lithium, which is used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness, including thyroid problems, hair loss, memory loss, swelling and diarrhea.

Seroquel Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Seroquel - generic Quetiapine - which is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and the the psychotic features of other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder.

Zoloft Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the antidepressant Zoloft - generic name Sertraline - which may be prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Zoloft is classed as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI).

Risperdal Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Risperdal - generic name Risperidone - which is an atypical antipsychotic drug often prescribed for treatment of schizophrenia and the psychotic features of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Robert Downey, Jr. - Actor
Actor Robert Downey, Jr. has punctuated a career filled with talent and promise with arrests, imprisonments and time spent in drug rehabilitation. Though he has reportedly been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, nothing has ever been said about his receiving proper treatment for that condition.

SSDI and Bipolar Disorder
From the About Bipolar Disorder Speaking from Experience series, information from community members on obtaining disability benefits for manic depression, including applying, filling out forms, and more.

Bipolar Disorder and Work -...
Sonya describes the importance to her of having a job - or two jobs - and how her bipolar disorder affects working and vice versa.

Celebrities - A & B
Found here is the A and B portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Grandiosity
Grandiosity is a symptom of Bipolar Disorder - manic depression - occurring during mania, hypomania and mixed episodes. Here is a concise definition.

Geodon Med Profile
A quick profile of the medication Geodon (generic: Ziprasidone) which was approved in 2001 for treatment of both 'positive' and 'negative' symptoms of schizophrenia. Geodon is also used for psychotic features of bipolar disorder.

Elavil Side Effects
Elavil - generic Amitriptyline - is a tricyclic antidepressant. This is a catalog of side effects for the medication Amitriptyline - brand names Elavil and Endep, which is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Celebrities - E to G
Found here is the E to G portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Depression - Emotional Pain
The third group of depressive episode symptoms comes under the heading of Emotional Pain and includes prolonged sadness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair or helplessness, and loss of self-esteem. Any one or more of these symptoms could be a common reaction to a traumatic event such as the loss of a job or the death of a loved one, but if they continue too long or are too severe, help should be sought.

Depression Symptoms 1
A depressive episode may be mild or severe, but it is important to recognize the signals as early as possible. In this first of six parts, we look at a group of symptoms under the heading of activity or energy level changes.

The Bipolar Child 2006 Edition
A few years ago, a ground-breaking book hit the shelves - “The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder” by Demitri Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos. Of this work I wrote, “This is an absolutely fantastic book for those who have a child with early onset bipolar disorder, who suspect it in their child, or who work with bipolar children.” I stand by this recommendation and I am very excited to say that a new edition has again been released.

What Is Rapid Cycling?
In bipolar disorder the term rapid cycling has several definitions depending on just how rapidly the cycles alternate.

Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine - also known as noradrenaline - is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a hormone, it works alongside epinephrine / adrenaline to give the body sudden energy in times of stress. More ...

What is Bipolar I?
Here is a brief but easy to understand definition of Bipolar I Disorder - the most severe kind of manic depression.

When the Cure IS the Disease
The tendency for those with bipolar disorder to use street drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication is a very real issue.

Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller - best known for There's Something About Mary - is frank about having bipolar disorder. His parents - Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara - have also talked about being in therapy for depression.

Zyprexa Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Olanzapine - Zyprexa, which is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It is classed as an atypical antipsychotic.

Celebrities - S & T
Found here is the S & T portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Mood Disorders & Sleep
How you sleep has a great deal to do with depression and mania. Do you have a sleep disorder with your mood disorder?

Topamax Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the anticonvulsant Topamax - generic name Topiramate - which may be prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the management of bipolar disorder.

Lithium & Weight Gain
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community share their experiences with weight gain while taking the medication Lithium, which is used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness.

What is a Placebo?
A placebo used to be a sugar pill given by doctors to patients whose symptoms didn't appear to have any medical cause. Physicians discovered that people taking these inert pills often reported feeling better. Today, drug companies are making active placebos for use in clinical trials.

Paranoia
Here is a brief but comprehensive definition of paranoia - which may be present in bipolar disorder or schizophrenia as well as several other mental illnesses.

Lithium - Dosage Experience
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community talk about their dosages of the medication Lithium, which is used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness.

Celebrities - K & L
Found here is the K & L portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Introduction to Disability
For many people with bipolar disorder, the ability to work is seriously compromised. Debilitating depressions, manic-based bad decisions, struggles with medications and side effects as well as psychotic features, panic attacks and other extreme symptoms of this illness make it difficult for some to obtain or hold a job for very long. A possible solution may be disability -- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Why So Many Types of BP?
A brief look at the various subsets, descriptions and classifications for bipolar disorder and mood disorders - as defined in the United States and internationally.

Grapefruit Juice/Meds Problem
Any number of medications can apply to this question: Prozac, BuSpar, Tegretol, Verapamil, Prednisone and a host of others - even Viagra! There are a large number of other medications affected by grapefruit juice as well, including all the cholesterol-lowering statins and even some antibiotics and birth control pills.

Lithium: Tests & Toxicity
Tests on thyroid and kidneys need to be run before a person starts taking lithium, and serum levels need to be monitored, as lithium toxicity can be very dangerous.

Recognize a Depressive Episode
A 'how to' on identifying when a person is suffering from either unipolar or bipolar depression.

Celebrities - H to J
Found here is the H to J portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About.com Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Paxil Med Profile
A summary of information about Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride), a medication which may be prescribed for the depression of bipolar disorder, along with major depression and social anxiety / panic disorders.

Medications for Mania
The primary method of treatment for bipolar disorder is pharmacological intervention - medications. The prescriptions for treatment are usually specific to mania or depression. Outlined here, are the general classes and some specific examples of drugs used in the management of symptoms for mania.

Neurontin Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the anticonvulsant Neurontin - generic Gabapentin - which is sometimes prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

BP and the ADA Part 1
People with mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, may be protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) if they can show that their disability substantially limits or impairs what is called a "major-life activity." This Act applies to all employment-related activities. In this article, we look at the qualifications for coverage and exceptions to the Act and define major-life activities.

Haldol Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Haldol - generic Haloperidol - an antipsychotic drug effectively used in the management of mania, agitation and hyperactivity in various mental illnesses including bipolar disorder.

Vivien Leigh
Famed actress Vivien Leigh had manic depression which was one of the reasons her marriage to Sir Laurence Olivier failed.

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a difficult condition to diagnose. There are a number of physical conditions that can mimic the presentation of or have similar symptoms to bipolar disorder. This is further complicated by the fact that there is no definitive medical test such as blood work or an x-ray to diagnose bipolar disorder. Therefore other medical conditions must first be ruled out for an accurate diagnosis. This article outlines these illnesses.

Does BP Affect Dreams?
Nightmares and night terrors are entirely different - yet both are more commonly experienced by people with bipolar disorder than by others.

Personal Markers of Bipolar...
The examples of markers provided in the DSM-IV for any one of the BP disorders are laughable in that they are too broad and unrepresentative of real life for most people who have the disorder. If we were to rewrite the DSM-IV to show clearly how the disorder presents itself in all its glory, what would we include?

Linda Hamilton
Linda Hamilton - star of 'Terminator' and 'Beauty and the Beast' - has acknowledged that she suffers from bipolar disorder and is now on medication to help control the devastating lows.

Klonopin Profile
Klonopin - generic clonazepam, sold outside the United States as Rivotril - is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder as well as certain seizure disorders. It is a benzodiazepine medication. This article covers precautions and warnings, recommended dosage, and common side effects.

Delusions
Delusions are false beliefs firmly held. Delusions are one aspect of the psychotic features of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.

Lamictal Experiences
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum share their experiences with the medication Lamictal / Lamotrigine - an anticonvulsant drug used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness.

Celebrities - M to O
Found here is the M to O portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Celebrities - P to R
Found here is the P to R portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Celebrities - U to Z
Found here is the U to Z portion of a registry of celebrities who have bipolar disorder (manic depression). In 1993, Joy Ikelman began compiling this list “to provide inspiration for those who have bipolar disorder” and has now passed the torch to the About Bipolar Disorder Guides. The compilation includes both living and deceased celebrities. This registry is a work in progress.

Lithium: Does It Work for You?
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community share their experiences with the medication Lithium, which is used as a mood stabilizer in treating manic-depressive illness.

Marriage & Manic Depression
When a married person is diagnosed with bipolar disorder (manic depression), it is really a diagnosis for the couple. Unfortunately, this disorder so often wreaks havoc in marriages. Reaching out for help with his struggling marriage, a newly diagnosed member asks, “How can I ask her to look up to me and take comfort in my confidence when all of this has been shattered?” Hope, who has been in a rather long marriage to someone with bipolar disorder, shares her insight.

Marijuana-Schizophrenia Link
Recent studies suggest that regular use of marijuana (cannabis) in adolescence may make it more likely for a person to develop schizophrenia.

Abnormal Brain Chemistry in BP
Press Release: University of Michigan researchers finds evidence of brain chemistry abnormalities in bipolar disorder. 30% higher concentration of certain signaling cells may help explain, treat manic depression.

Restoril Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Restoril - generic name Temazepam - which is used to treat insomnia and may be prescribed for use in managing bipolar disorder. Restoril is a benzodiazepine and the usual warnings apply.

Depression Symptoms - Physical
Anyone who thinks depression is all in one's head has never been depressed - or never realized it. Depression affects more than the mind - it has significant physical symptoms as well. In this article we discuss unexplained aches and pains, weight gain or loss, decreased and increased appetite, and psychomotor agitation and retardation.

Medication Half-Life
In laymen's terms, a medication's half life is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. More ...

Trileptal Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the anticonvulsant medication Trileptal - generic Oxcarbazepine - which is sometimes prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Teens with Bipolar and School
Teen author Dan discusses living day to day in the classroom with bipolar disorder, stable or unstable, what to do if you lose control of your emotions, how to set up a support network and the importance of doing so, along with other important topics regarding teens with bipolar and school.

Topamax Experiences
Members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community share their experiences with the medication Topamax - generic Topiramate - an anticonvulsant used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of manic-depressive illness

Clozaril Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Clozaril - generic Clozapine - an antipsychotic medication used for treatment-resistent schizophrenia and to reduce the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Connie Francis
Biographical sketch of pop / country singer Connie Francis who has had a highly successful career despite suffering from bipolar disorder.

Benzodiazepines
Information about the benzodiazepine family of medications, generally used to treat anxiety and related conditions, including Valium, Librium, Xanax and several others.

Trileptal Med Profile
Information about Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), an anticonvulsant approved in the United States for treatment of epilepsy and also being prescribed off-label for bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer.

Cogentin Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Benztropine - brand name Cogentin - which is used to treat some of the side effects of certain antipsychotic medications. It is classed as an antiparkinsonian drug.

Bipolar II Disorder
We offer a concise definition of Bipolar II disorder and how it differs from Bipolar I disorder.

Lithium Precautions/Warnings
This article outlines the main warnings for lithium use, including concerns about pregnancy and breast-feeding and drug interactions.

Depression - Difficult Moods
Like the other symptoms of bipolar depression, the difficult moods listed here - irritability, anger, worry/anxiety, pessimism, indifference, and a tendency to be self-critical - may also be present in major depressive disorder. The difference, of course, is that in bipolar disorder there are also episodes of mania or hypomania.

Changes in Thought Patterns
Although these symptoms are grouped as Changes in Thought Patterns, each of them can have a profound effect on behavior as well. In fact, these symptoms - difficulty concentrating, indecision, memory problems and disorganization - may be the among the ones first noticed by co-workers and supervisors because of the way they affect on-the-job performance.

Lexapro Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the medication Lexapro - generic Escitalopram - an SSRI antidepressant related to Celexa. It may be prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Electroshock Therapy
Has your doctor prescribed treatment with electroconvulsive therapy for manic depression? Are you considering it? Read what others have to say about their experiences with ECT.

DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a method of treatment that was devised by Marsha Linehan, faculty at the University of Washington in Seattle, for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Because of its success and due to similar behavior patterns, DBT is now being used in many settings as a viable therapy for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Delusion of Reference
Delusions of reference refers to the strongly held belief that outside events, objects, behaviors of others, etc., have a particular significance to oneself. More ...

Can I Get SSDI
From the About Bipolar Disorder Speaking from Experience series, answers to the question - Can I get Social Security Disability for my Bipolar Disorder?

Toxic People
Do you know someone who always makes you feel tired, angry or depressed? This person may be toxic, spreading negativity like a poison. Learn about toxic people, what they can do to you, and get some suggestions for dealing with them.

"The Bipolar Child"
Kimberly Bailey reviews an extraordinary book for those who deal with children having early onset bipolar disorder. Parents MUST read!

Patty Duke
Biographical sketch of Patty (Anna Marie) Duke, famed actress who won an Oscar at 16 but whose success masked child abuse and mental illness.

Nortriptyline Side Effects
Catalogue of side effects for the tricyclic antidepressant Nortriptyline - sold under the brand names Pamelor, Aventyl and others - which is sometimes used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mood disorders and mental illnesses.

Racing Thoughts
When a bipolar person has racing thoughts, it doesn't mean he or she is just thinking quickly. Racing thoughts can be very uncomfortable and disturbing.

Significant Other Struggles
We often read of the difficulties and trials, frustrations with medications, and the sense of isolation for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In all of this, it is easy to forget that loved-ones and significant others are faced with as much emotional upheaval. This is the story of a wife as she struggles along side her husband after his initial diagnosis.

What is a Mixed Episode?
Using the strict definition, a mixed episode can only be experienced by someone with Bipolar I disorder. However, many researchers - and many patients - agree that there are several types of mixed episodes that can be experienced by just about anyone with manic depression.

Complex Features of BP
Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings - it can also feature mixed episodes, rapid cycling, psychotic features and other complications.

Effexor Experiences
Personal experiences with the antidepressant Effexor - generic Venlafaxine - written by members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community. From our Speaking from Experience series.

Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is a low concentration of sodium in the blood. It can occur as a side effect of some medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder.

Charley Pride
Charley Pride was one of the first black country-western singers to overcome racial bias and have a highly successful career. His biography revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Panic/Anxiety & BP
Many people with bipolar disorder / manic depression also have a panic / anxiety disorder as well. Our guest author and chat host Sonya discusses common anxiety disorders and panic attacks and offers suggestions for helping chatters who are suffering from anxiety attacks.

BP and the ADA Part 2
People with mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, may be protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) if they can show that a disability substantially limits or impairs what is called a "major-life activity." The Act applies to all employment-related activities. In this article, we define the term reasonable accommodation, making a request to your employer and filing a claim under the ADA.

Experience with Omega-3
Insights and experience from members of the About Bipolar Disorder Community about their personal experiences with using Omega-3 as a treatment. From our Speaking From Experience series.