Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2 million individuals each year and is commonly referred to as manic-depressive.
Among all the mental disorders, Bipolar Disorder is a condition that is probably least understood by the public, leading to many people stating “he is bipolar” when there is evidence of mood swings.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder and includes a combination of major depression and periods of increased energy and manic symptoms. Individuals experiencing manic symptoms might deny that anything is wrong with them despite having excessive energy, not sleeping for several days, and feeling unstoppable and euphoric. Because Bipolar disorder includes rapid mood shifts it is possible for an individual to feel “on top of the world” one day and facing profound depression the next day.
The important piece to consider with Bipolar disorder is that everyone experiences mood swings and what differentiates this condition from general ups and downs is the intensity and duration.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343