Bipolar disorder

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Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder that causes people to alternate between episodes of depression and episodes of high energy or irritability (mania). In many people, episodes of either depression or mania are followed by periods of normal functioning.

Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness.

The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely understood, but it may be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is not known what causes this chemical imbalance. The disorder may run in families.

Bipolar disorder occurs equally among males and females. It often begins between the ages of 15 and 24.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but medicines and counseling may help control the symptoms. Seizure medicines and lithium are often used to treat bipolar disorder.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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