Bipolar Disorder | First Responders Disability Awareness Training
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.
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People with bipolar disorder experience usually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes." An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode.
Symptoms of Mania or a Manic Episode
In addition to mania and depression, bipolar disorder can cause a range of moods, as shown on the scale:
Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder.
Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has some symptoms that overlap with bipolar disorder, such as restlessness and being easily distracted.
People with bipolar disorder are also at a higher risk for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses.