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Resources by Disability
Bipolar Disorder (BD)
Definition: Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 5.7 million Americans.
Symptoms: BD causes severe shifts in mood, energy, and activity, known as episodes. There are three types of episodes: manic, depressive, and mixed. People experiencing manic episodes often act impulsively, speak very quickly, feel restless, have an unusual increase in energy, and experience fluctuating moods (from extremely happy to extremely irritable and anxious). In over half of all cases of manic episodes, people experience delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations. Symptoms of a depressive episode include an overwhelming feeling of sadness, lack of energy, loss of interests, difficulty concentrating, chronic physical pain, loss of appetite, and thoughts of suicide. A mixed episode involves symptoms that are both manic and depressive. While BD typically develops in late adolescence, symptoms can emerge in childhood.
Cause: Studies show that BD is caused by an imbalance of two key neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. People that have this chemical imbalance are extremely sensitive to life’s stressors, resulting in episodes of BD.
Diagnosis: Mental health professionals diagnose BD by identifying recurrent signs of the condition. Patients are diagnosed with manic episodes if they experience elevated moods with at least 3 other symptoms for 1 week or longer. A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more symptoms occur for at least 2 weeks.
Treatment: The most effective treatment for BD involves a combination of prescription medications that control symptoms and cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, and other forms of counseling that help cope with residual stresses and emotions.
Notable People with BD:
- Vincent van Gogh, an influential Dutch impressionist painter in the 19th Century.
- Mark Twain, a 19th Century writer, known as the Father of American literature.
Support Groups:
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Philadelphia County
Tel: (215) 552-8737
Email: denis@hazam.org
Website: http://www.dbsalliance.org/
DBSA Friends for Friends Philadelphia
Tel: (215) 831-7809
Email: rwagner1440@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.dbsalliance.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hotline: 1(800) 273-8255
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