what is bipolar?

(copied and pasted mainly the important bits)

Bipolar Disorder

• previously known as manic depression
• affects the normal functioning of the brain - the person experiences extreme moods — very high and over-excited or very low and depressed  
• extreme mood swings (or 'mood episodes') widely out of proportion, or totally unrelated, to what's happening in your life.  These swings affect your thoughts, feelings, physical health, emotional health, behaviour, and day-to-day functioning.

Mood Episodes

• Every time you experience symptoms at one extreme for at least 1 week, it is called an episode. There are four main mood episodes:
• manic (mania)

A manic episode is a when you have an unusually and constantly elevated or bad-tempered mood. Lasts atleast a week.

• hypomanic (hypomania)

Hypomania is a milder form of mania that lasts at least 4 days. It includes symptoms such as increased thought speed and processes, elevated mood, and irritability.

• major depressive episode (depression)

A depressive episode is when you have either a depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, lasting for at least 2 weeks.

• mixed episode

A mixed episode is when you experience both manic and major depressive symptoms nearly every day for at least one week. Your mood can vary with the time of the day.

 

• Because of these different  episodes, the person may behave in an uncharacteristically irrational or risky manner.  

Causes

• causes are not fully understood.
• As with any other illnesses, they are likely to be a combination of hereditary and other causes (such as stress, biochemistry or even seasons), but a genetic predisposition to develop the illness has been clearly established by scientists.

Treatment

• Treatment can do much to reduce and even eliminate the symptoms.
• Treatment should generally include a combination of medication and community support. Both are usually essential for the best outcome.
• Medication

Certain medications assist the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and help control the mood swings and depression.

• Community support programs

support usually includes info, rehabilitation, support groups, assitance in finding suitable work and, training and education. -> they need to feel like they are accepted in the community.