Understanding Bipolar Depression

Like diabetes and heart disease, bipolar disorder is a real medical condition, and like both of these illnesses, it can be treated.

Bipolar disorder is also known by its older name, manic-depressive illness. This disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from "high" feelings of extreme euphoria or irritability (mania) to hopelessness or sadness (depression).

Each episode of mania or depression changes a person's energy level, thought processes and behaviors, and may last for hours, weeks or months. Though manic symptoms tend to receive more attention, bipolar depression occurs more often, is more disruptive to the person's life and is associated with greater risk of suicide.

This disease can lead to difficulties in family life, personal relationships, school and work.

Bipolar depression is often misdiagnosed as unipolar depression.

NOTE: To view or print PDF files, you must have Adobe® Reader®. Click here to download the free reader.