Bipolar disorder
Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder affects the brain and causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy
and ability to function. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood and is often not recognized as an illness.
Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences, bipolar disorder causes severe mood swings – from overly
“high” to sad and hopeless, and then back again with normal moods in between.
During the “high” or manic phase, children or adolescents may talk nonstop, need very little sleep, and show unusually poor
judgment. At the low end of the mood swing, children experience severe depression.
They can result poor school performance and even suicide. The good news is that bipolar disorder can be treated, and people
with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Some of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Nonstop talking
- Distractibility, can't concentrate well
- Little sleep needed
- Poor judgment
- Extreme sadness, low energy
What you can do to help
If your child or loved one shows signs of an bipolar disorder, don't wait for the problem to go away by itself. Get help
now.
When you need to talk to someone, turn to Belmont Behavioral Health at 1-800-220-HELP (4357) or (215) 877-2000.
