Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (formerly known as “manic-depressive disorder”) is another major mood disorder in which the individual most commonly experiences episodes of depression and episodes of mania.¹ Mania is characterized by clearly elevated, unrestrained, or irritable mood which may manifest in an exaggerated assessment of self-importance or grandiosity, sleeplessness, racing thoughts, pressured speech, and the tendency to engage in activities which appear pleasurable, but have a high potential for adverse consequences.² As is true for depression, medications and some forms of psychotherapy are effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder (Andreasen & Black, 2006).

References

1. Campbell RJ, Campbell’s psychiatric dictionary. (9th ed.). New York, Oxford, 2009.
2. Andreasen NC, Black DW. Introductory textbook of psychiatry. (4th ed.). Arlington, VA:American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 2006.

More detail on mental health/mental illnesses may be found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/index.shtml or www.samhsa.gov/