1. Bipolar Disorder
and it’s many episodes...

2. Current age: 46
Episodes began: 17
Diagnosed: 36
Mother of 4
Successful Leasing Agent
Favorite hobby: Crafting

3. What is Bipolar Disorder?
Manic-Depressive illness
Unusual shifts in moods and energy
Extreme highs and lows
Risky behavior
Unknown isolated gene

4. Types of Bipolar
Bipolar I
Bipolar II
Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
Cyclothymic Disorder
Rapid-Cycling Bipolar

5. Most Common Symptoms
Long period of feeling overly
happy
Extremely irritable, agitated, or
“wired”
Talking fast, racing thoughts
Easily distracted
Increasing goal-directed activities
Restlessness and sleeping little
Unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
Impulsive and high risk behaviors
Long period of feeling worried or
empty
Problems concentrating,
remembering, and making decisions
Loss of interest in activities
Feeling tired or “slowed down”
Being restless or irritable
Feeling extremely sad and hopeless
Changing eating and sleeping habits
Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
Manic Depressive

6. QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

7. Risk Factors
Genetics
Lifestyle Habits
Stress
Traumatic events
Medication

8. Diagnosis
Family History
Mood Disorder
Questionnaire
Brain Imaging
Scans
Brain Activity
Low to High

9. Treatments
Anti-depressant medications
Mood Stabilizer medications
Anti-anxiety medications
Hyperactivity medications
Psychotherapy
Medications for
LIFE!

10. The Quality of Life
More likely to miss days at work/school
Diagnosed men are more likely to not
have a job
Women attempt suicide 3x more often
Men commit suicide 4x more often

11. Life Support
Disability Insurance
Employment Support
Medicaid
Community Support

12. Having a Bipolar Parent
Aggressive behavior
Spending
Sadness
Loss of interest