Care For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, includes periods of extreme elation alternating with major depressive episodes, with each episode lasting at least a week. Manic episodes involve feelings of grandeur, expansiveness, impulsivity, and energy to the extreme that it interferes with day to day functions and activities. During manic states, the bipolar individual may be inclined to act out of impulse, thereby affecting their ability to make decisions out of sound judgment. Major depressive episodes involve an extreme negative outlook on life, fatigue, diminished interest in daily activities and change in weight and sleep patterns. Symptoms often interfere with quality of life and cause significant distress and thoughts of suicide.