Bipolar
disorder, formerly manic depression, is a mental disorder with periods of
depression and periods of elevated mood. The elevated mood is significant and
is known as mania or hypomania, depending on its severity, or whether symptoms
of psychosis are present. During mania an individual behaves or feels
abnormally energetic, happy or irritable.
Individuals often make poorly thought
out decisions with little regard to the consequences. The need for sleep is
usually reduced during manic phases. During periods of depression there may be
crying, a negative outlook on life, and poor eye contact with others. The risk
of suicide among those with the illness is high at greater than 6 percent over20 years, while self-harm occurs in 30-40 percent. Other mental health issues
such as anxiety disorders and substance use disorder are commonly associated.
The
causes are not clearly understood, but both environmental and genetic factors
play a role. Many genes of small effect, contribute to risk. Environmental
factors include a history of childhood abuse and long-term stress. It is
divided into bipolar I disorder if there is at least one manic episode and
bipolar II disorder if there are at least one hypomanic episode and one major
depressive episode. In those with less severe symptoms of a prolonged duration
the condition cyclothymic disorder may be present. If due to drugs or medical
problems it is classified separately. Other
conditions that may present in a
similar manner include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality
disorders, schizophrenia and substance use disorder as well as a number of
medical conditions. Medical testing is not required for a diagnosis. However,
blood tests or medical imaging can be done to rule out other problems.
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