Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a medical illness that causes extreme shift in mood, energy, and functioning. These changes may be subtle or dramatic and typically vary greatly over the course of a person's life. Millions of people in America have bipolar disorder and the illness affects men and women in nearly equal numbers. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months. These episodes often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally in childhood. If left untreated, bipolar disorder symptoms can increase, however, early identification of symptoms and ongoing treatment that includes psychotherapy, medications, and a healthy lifestyle, can help.

What are the symptoms of mania?

• Either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood

• Increased physical and mental activity and energy

• Racing thoughts and flight of ideas

• Increased talking, more rapid speech than normal

• Ambitious, often grandiose plans

• Risk taking and impulsive activity such as spending sprees, risky sexual behavior and alcohol and substance abuse

• Decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue

What are the symptoms of depression?

• Loss of energy

• Prolonged sadness

• Decreased activity and energy

• Restlessness and irritability

• Inability to concentrate or make decisions

• Increased feelings of worry and anxiety

• Less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed

• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness

• Thoughts of suicide

• Change in appetite: either eating more or eating less

• Change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)

What are the causes of bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but most scientists believe that bipolar disorder is likely caused by multiple factors including genetics and stressful events.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is a treatable and manageable illness. Treatment can include; psychotherapy, medications, and self-management strategies. Psychotherapy may include individual and family-focused therapy. Medications may include mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications. Self-management strategies may include education, recognition of an episode's early symptoms, exercise, and meditation.

Emergency Help:

• The Bryan Medical Center Mental Health Emergency Department provides emergency mental health care/crisis assessments to determine if hospitalization is needed. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Located at 2300 S. 16th Street, Lincoln NE. Telephone: 402-481-5151

• CenterPointe Helpline: 402-475-6695

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Non-Emergency Help:

• Contact the Bryan Medical Center Counseling Center - Located at 2300 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE
  Telephone: 402-481-5991

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  Telephone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
  Text: 62640

Condensed from National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI/Mental Illness, Bipolar Disorder, www.nami.org

05/26