Bipolar disorder affects around 2.9% of the population annually. It can develop at a young age and the average age of onset is 25. Genetics, brain structure, and stress may contribute to its causes, though the specific cause is unknown. There are four main types defined by symptoms: bipolar I involves manic and depressive episodes; bipolar II involves hypomania and depression; cyclothymic disorder involves shifting mood states; and bipolar disorder other/unspecified involves mood changes not meeting other criteria. Treatment involves medications, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and self-care practices.

1. BIPOLAR DISORDER
PRESENTED BY SHANAE GREEN

2. WHO IS AFFECTED?
Bipolar disorder symptoms can arise at a young age with early behaviors of
tantrums and/or mood changes (now commonly known as disruptive mood
dysregulation). Teenagers can exhibit changes like: lower grades in school, change
in desire to participate in certain activities, being suspended for fighting, or
engagement in more risky activities and talk about suicide.
The average age of onset is 25 years old.
Every year 2.9% of the population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
83% of diagnosed cases are considered to be severe.

3. WHAT CAUSES BIPOLAR DISORDER?
• Although scientists have not pinpointed a specific cause, they do see correlations
between genetics, stress, and brain structure.
• Genetics – is NOT ABSOLUTE. If a child’s parent has bipolar disorder, then they
MAY/MAY NOT have it. In studies with twins, it was found that one twin may have
bipolar disorder while the other may not.
• Stress – drastic occurrence of events such as death, relationship problems or financial
issues can contribute to the first episode bipolar
• Brain structure – researchers have found some difference in the brain of people with
this disorder, although a brain scan cannot be used for diagnosis

4. TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
- DEFINED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL
MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS
• 1. bipolar 1 – must display episodes of mania and depression over a course of 7 days
or more for diagnosis
• 2. bipolar II – displays more of a depressed state or exhibit “hypomania”, but never
fully get to a manic state
• 3. cyclothymic disorder - unstable mood state where the person exhibits hypomania
and depression for at least two years, they rarely are in a normal mood
• 4. bipolar disorder “other/unspecified” – person does not meet criteria for the 3 listed
above, but display changes in mood elevation over extended periods of time.
Symptoms do not last long enough for diagnosis of bipolar 1 or II

5. BIPOLAR TREATMENT
• Medications include mood stabilizers, anti-depressants,
and antipsychotic medications
• Psychotherapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy – short electrical impulses into
the brain
• Self-care/management
• Integrative health practices such as prayer or meditation

6. RELATED CONDITIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
• Anxiety disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs

7. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
BIPOLAR DISORDER PLEASE VISIT SITES
BELOW:
www. nami.org www.ibpf.org
www.hopeandhealingcenter.org www.betterhelp.com
www.dbsalliance.org

8. REFERENCE:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 2016. Bipolar
disorder. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Learn-
More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder on August
5, 2016