Please keep in mind that everyone's situation is different. Never let a "bipolar label" overshadow who you are as an individual. However, while individual differences shouldn't be underestimated, it's also amazing the amount of common experiences people with bipolar illness share. It's hoped that these questions and answers will get at some of the basic information you may need as you begin to explore what bipolar illness means in your life.

Bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depression) is a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania).

Pediatric Bipolar starts in childhood or infancy, whereas adult Bipolar can have an onset at any age, most commonly early 20s and 30s. Because childhood Bipolar has only recently come to the attention of clinicians and researchers, they are not entirely sure what will happen with a child who has BP... what they will be like as adults. "Classic" symptoms of Bipolar such as running up credit card debt do not apply, since most kids don't have credit cards.

People often have common questions about the basics of manic depression. These are some of the most commonly asked questions — and their answers — about manic depression (also known as bipolar disorder):

Family members may want to express their concern by describing the specific behaviors to that person in a nonjudgmental fashion. The person with the disorder is less able to dismiss the observation if there is a consensus among friends or family members that a distinctive pattern has emerged. the work site, violations of safety codes or negligence may need to be reported to supervisors so that the person can receive a medical evaluation before injury or disability occurs.

Lack of a consistent routine and disrupted sleep can trigger a mood episode. Choosing work and leisure activities that allow proper sleep and rest is vital to healthy emotional functioning. Families can support good mental hygiene by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.

Bipolar Disorder is a neurobiological brain disorder. It was formerly called manic-depression. Until about 10 -15 years ago, most doctors did not believe children could have Bipolar, and this is still an issue of some controversy. However, as more research is done and the information from that research is distributed, more and more doctors are becoming familiar with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder. Pediatric Bipolar is also known as EOBP (Early Onset Bipolar) and COBP (Childhood Onset Bipolar).

Bipolar Disorder is treated through the use of medications and environmental interventions. Medication is the first line of defense. Stress reduction is important, as is learning to recognize and manage symptoms appropriately, and therapy can at times be an asset. Each individual treatment won't work for everyone, so it's a process of trial and error to find what works for each person.

The essential feature of bipolar disorder is recurrent, remitting, cyclical episodes of both mania and depression throughout the course of the illness with one or more manic episodes usually accompanied by one or more major depressive episodes. Most frequently the initial episode that leads to hospitalization is manic. It is essential to understand that this disorder is characterized by different degrees of intensity of the symptoms in either the manic or the depressive stage.

It is more correct to say that there is evidence of a strong family history and genetic relationship to bipolar disorder.

There are screening tools on this site to detect symptoms of depression and mania. They can help identify whether you may have one of these illnesses. Take the results of the screening to your doctor and consult with him/her about a possible diagnosis. Mood disorders are illnesses that need treatment like any other illness. Early diagnosis is very important. Most treatment plans include a combination of medication, talk therapy, and support.

If you want to help your loved one deal with bipolar disorder, then you need this course. The comprehensive course covers everything you have to know, including facts about medications, suggestions for dealing with financial issues, ideas for coping with problems that occur during episodes, and much more. Click here for more information.

Dating someone who has bipolar disorder can be great or it can be an absolute nightmare. Unfortunately, only a few people truly know the ins and outs on how to date someone with bipolar disorder. This is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship with someone with bipolar disorder to attain its highest potential. Click here for more information.

While there is no shortage of books on marriage, none discuss marrying someone with bipolar disorder. There are numerous things that one must consider and know BEFORE going into the marriage. This is the definitive manual for anyone who wants their marriage to someone with bipolar disorder to last forever. Click here for more information.

If you want to help your child deal with bipolar disorder, then you need this course. The comprehensive course covers everything you have to know, including facts about medications, suggestions for dealing with financial issues, ideas for coping with problems that occur during episodes, and much more. Click here for more information. There are 7 key secrets that everyone with bipolar disorder MUST learn in order to be successful. Click here for more information.

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I am NOT a doctor, lawyer, or therapist, but I have a vast amount of knowledge on bipolar disorder for both the person who is supporting someone with the disorder and the person who has the disorder. Like you, I'm all too aware of the devastation that bipolar disorder can cause in a family. How do I know? Because my mother has been suffering from bipolar disorder for much of her life.