What is Bipolar? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is bipolar? Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million adults in the United States, which accounts for about 2.6% of the adult population. The average age onset of the disease is 25 years, but it can begin as early as childhood and as late as 40’s and 50’s. Women and men suffer from the disorder equally, and it is found among all races, and all social and ethnic classes. The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder An individual suffering from bipolar disorder will experience extreme mood shifts. These shifts are: depression and mania. Depression Symptoms include: Feeling anxious Feelings of emptiness, unworthiness, guilt Inability to experience pleasure No longer interested in social activities with friends and family Inability to sleep – or sleeping too much Eating too much or too little, resulting in weight loss or weight gain Inability to focus and concentrate Thoughts of suicide and death Mania Symptoms include: Euphoria Extremely high energy Impatience and irritability Racing thoughts Need ...