Published: February 06, 2008 04:52 pm      

Understanding bipolar disorders

Speculation about bipolar and mood disorders in celebrities has been in the news lately. While DBSA does not support speculation about anyone's diagnosis, believing that this is a matter best discussed in the privacy of a doctor-patient relationship, the following information and resources may be helpful in understanding more about this common medical condition.

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. It is not a character flaw.

About 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. The illness typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

For a list of symptoms of bipolar disorder's depressive and manic phases visit, www.DBSAlliance.org/about-bipolar-overview. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation's leading patient-directed organizationfocusing on depression and bipolar disorder. Call toll free (800) 826-3632. To see if there is a support group in your area or to help get one started, please call Diana Thompson at (304) 472-1947 or e-mail www.rueskustom@hotmail.com.

Diana Thompson, Buckhannon, W.Va.