This document provides information about bipolar disorder, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Some key points:
- Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings from mania to depression. It has a significant public health impact due to high treatment costs and non-adherence to medication.
- Symptoms of mania include inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, and risky behavior. Symptoms of depression include low mood, loss of interest, and changes in appetite and sleep.
- Causes are thought to involve genetic and biological factors like neurotransmitter levels. Stressful life events can also trigger episodes.
- Treatment involves medication