Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by episodes of depression and mania. During manic episodes, people experience elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, impulsiveness, and poor judgment which can lead them to make risky decisions. Depression episodes are marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. Over 8 million Americans are affected by this disorder which, if left untreated, increases the risk of suicide. Effective treatment involves therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and staying committed to the treatment plan.

1. Bipolar DisorderMary Lou Guenther

2. The Mood SwingsBipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and maniaUsually, victims experience much more of the depression rather than manic highsOver 8 million Americans are affected by this mental illness

3. ManiaState of elevated or irritable mood Literally translated to “madness, frenzy”Two different sides: hypomania and full blown mania which can involve hallucinations and delusions

4. Characteristics of ManiaRapid speechRacing thoughtsDecreased need for sleepEuphoria ImpulsivenessHypersexualityRacing thoughts

5. Characteristics Cont…RestlessnessDistractibilityTendency to make grand and unattainable plansPoor judgmentReckless behaviors (alcohol, drugs, spending sprees, etc.)

6. EuphoriaMedically recognized as a mental or emotional state of well beingEuphoria is an affect; It is exaggerated and not usually achieved during the normal course of human experience

7. RisksWhen in a manic episode people will take risks which are uncharacteristic and rash:-- running up credit card debt-- gambling-- casual sex with strangers-- talking too much to strangers -- impulsive life-altering decisions

8. Characteristics of DepressionExtremely sadHopelessThoughts of suicideLoss of interest in activities that were once enjoyableRestless or irritableChange in eating, sleeping, or other habits

9. Characteristics cont…Alterations in sleep patternsFeeling worried or emptyFeeling tiredHave problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions

10. Thoughts of suicideLife is not worth livingMaking plans – giving away valuables, saying goodbye“If you are actively suicidal, in crisis, call 911 immediately. Your life is worth saving and you are here for a reason. You are a precious, wonderful, and beautiful human being. It is ok that you may not know that now. It is none the less true.” – Mental Health Today

11. WorthlessnessFeelings of self loathing and unimportanceLeads to suicidal thoughts and excessively low self esteem

12. Facts about Bipolar DisorderEffects 1-3% of the populationIf untreated, the suicide rate is at 20%In every generation since WWII there has been a higher incidence and earlier onset of bipolar depressionMen, women, and all ethnicities are equally likely to get bipolar disorder

13. Famous People with Bipolar DisorderJim CarreyRobert Downey Jr.Ben StillerRobin WilliamsBeethovenVan GoghTim BurtonJimiHenrix

14. Famous People cont..Sylvia PlathWinston ChurchillTheodore RooseveltEdgar Allen PoeMark TwainAbraham Lincoln

15. ResultsThoughts of death, suicideUnwanted consequences for rash decisionsSubstance abuseHigher risks for heart disease, migraines, obesity, and anxiety disorders

16. TreatmentPsychotherapy, aka talk therapyTalk therapy: - can help you learn about why you have the disorder - Identify triggers - Set goals

17. Treatment cont…Medications are given specifically given to each patientUsually anti-depressantsPaired with therapy, medications can prevent negative side effects of bipolar disorder

18. Lifestyle ChangesGet regular sleepEat regular mealsExercise regularlyStay with your treatment

19. Light at the end of the tunnel

20. http://www.facingbipolar.com/bipolar-mania.aspxhttp://www.medicinenet.com/bipolar_disorder/page2.htmhttp://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/famous_people.htm