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Bipolar Disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that often causes unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.
As it is one of the most highly investigated neurological disorders, it is estimated that about 4.5% of American adults are affected by this disorder.

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Although there was never a clear view of who discovered it first, there was a first documented diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. In 1851, a French psychiatrist named Jean-Pierre Farlet published an article describing what he claimed as 'la folie circulaire' which translates to circular insanity. This article was about the relation and the link between mania and depression. The research went further on in the 20th century, as German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin detailed the difference between manic-depressive and praecox, which is now known as Schizophrenia.

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Even though the exact causes of Bipolar Disorder remain to be unknown, there are several factors that come into place. Scientists have argued that biological differences are part of it, as they say that those who have Bipolar Disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. Another factor is genetics. Research has shown that one is more likely to get Bipolar Disorder if one's family members or relatives previously contained Bipolar Disorder. There are also semi-factors that may increase the risks of developing Bipolar Disorder, such as traumatic events, high stress, and drug/alcohol abuse.

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Who is affected and Frequency of Bipolar Disorder

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Who is affected and Frequency of Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar Disorder affects approximately 5.7 million Americans above the age of 18. The average age of onset for Bipolar Disorder is actually 25, but one can experience it as a young child or much older. Bipolar Disorder equally affects people of all races and social groups, as well as men and women. However, research shows that women actually develop Bipolar Disorder three times more than men do, even though it is equally common. Since this is an inherited disease, more than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression. When one parent is affected, the risk of each child getting the disorder ranges from 15% to 30%. When both parents have it, the risk drastically increases to 50-75%. Even though Bipolar Disorder is currently affecting only 2% of the Canadians, as many as 1 out of 5 patients commit suicide.

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The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder are coherent and quite easy to tell when the time comes. The symptoms are divided into two main categories, mania and depression.

Symptoms of mania may include:
- More physical energy
- Sleep Deprivation
- Increased activity and moving
- More frequent sexual thoughts
- Inappropriate spending
- Inappropriate excitement
- Disconnected thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Anger management issues
- Loss of self-control
- Feelings of invincibility
- Unsafe behaviour

Symptoms of depression may include:
- Feelings of sadness and loss
- Impatience/Irritability
- Changes in weight/appetite
- Loss of interest in certain activities
- Insomnia
- Muscle and joint pain
- Panic attack
- Loss of stamina
- Frequent headaches
- Isolation from friends and family
- Constipation
- Difficulties in focusing
- Careless thinking
- Short-term memory loss
- Lack of motivation
- Feelings of guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
- Lack of interest in intercourse

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How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed? What are the cures?

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How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed? What are the cures?

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Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder may require a number of tests and exams. Most doctors use specialized blood tests or other laboratory measures to make an accurate diagnosis, such as urine analysis. Doctors also examine the patients' symptoms, and in fact, the most important diagnostic tool may be talking openly about one's mood swings and behaviour. Doctors must hear about the signs and symptoms because physical examinations will only reveal the patient's overall state of health.

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Bipolar Disorder is treated with two classes of medication: Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Most of the time, treatments of Bipolar Disorder entail a combination of mood-stabilizing drugs and antipsychotics. An example of this includes lithium carbonate and valproic acid, although doctors are still not certain how this is effective as a treatment. Obviously, there are still cases when they are not used together. Drugs such as Haloperidol, Latuda, and Zyprexa are a few examples of antipsychotics.

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Usually, after treatments, people with Bipolar Disorder tend to recover at least a little bit. Although it's difficult for a full recovery, most people's conditions improve quite a lot. Studies also show that the suicide rate for people without Bipolar Disorder is much lower than the suicide rate for people with Bipolar Disorder.

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Although the average age of onset for Bipolar Disorder is 25, it still has a big impact on many other people including youth. In fact, the disorder could actually be worse in some cases due to many different factors. There are some things that adults don't deal with but youth do. Some of these factors include bullying, stress from homework or tests, hormonal changes, etc. It is worse for a youth to develop Bipolar Disorder because it discourages them in a younger age, and it can impact their entire future. If one finds out that a youth has this disorder, he/she should report about it immediately and the patient should be treated ASAP.

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- People with Bipolar Disorder are more likely to have substance abuse issues.
- Bipolar sufferers are also at higher risk of diseases.
- Celebrities such as Chris Brown, Britney Spears, and Jim Carrey had Bipolar Dispolar
- Substances such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger a bipolar manic depressive episode.