Overview of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder or manic-depressive illness, is a chronic, recurrent illness associated with tremendous societal costs: increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, lower quality of life and suicide.1,2
It is a category of mood disorders and is the most common severe persistent illness.
This condition is characterized by:
- Periods of deep, prolonged and profound depression
- Mania (medical condition characterized by extremely elevated mood, energy and unusual thought patterns)
These episodes of depression and mania are separated by normal mood. In some persons, a condition called rapid cycling occurs, where depression and mania rapidly alternate (more than four episodes of mood swings in a year).
Manic-depressive illness was coined by Emil Kraepelin a German scientist in the late 19th century (1856–1926).3 Distress, disruption, and high suicidal rate are associated with this condition.4
Bipolar disorder is classified into the following types:
Occurence of Bipolar Disorder in Different Groups
This disorder affects all age groups and is prevalent in about 1% of the population.5Studies reveal that prevalence is highest in the age group of 18–24 years. The incidence of bipolar disorder is seen to be high in first-degree relatives of persons with this disorder. A study revealed a 13% risk of bipolar disorder among offspring of persons with the disorder.6
Even children can be affected by this disorder. In children, this condition is referred to as pediatric bipolar disorder. For many, the first symptoms are seen in their early twenties. The behavioral pattern of this disorder is different in teens and children. This condition also affects late life and needs to be elucidated.
Next page: Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar disorder
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: July 05, 2011
- Bipolar I: This is known as classic manic-depression and is characterized by depression alternating with episodes of mania, leading to severe impairment of function.
- Bipolar II: This is a milder disorder consisting of depression alternating with periods of hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that does not lead to major impairment of function.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This condition is characterized by oscillating moods.