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 Disorder Mary Lou Guenther

2. The Mood Swings Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and mania Usually, victims experience much more of the depression rather than manic highs Over 8 million Americans are affected by this mental illness

3. Mania State 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 Mania Rapid speech Racing thoughts Decreased need for sleep Euphoria Impulsiveness Hypersexuality Racing thoughts

5. Characteristics Cont… Restlessness Distractibility Tendency to make grand and unattainable plans Poor judgment Reckless behaviors (alcohol, drugs, spending sprees, etc.)

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

7. Risks When 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 Depression Extremely sad Hopeless Thoughts of suicide Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable Restless or irritable Change in eating, sleeping, or other habits

9. Characteristics cont… Alterations in sleep patterns Feeling worried or empty Feeling tired Have problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions

10. Thoughts of suicide Life is not worth living Making 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. Worthlessness Feelings of self loathing and unimportance Leads to suicidal thoughts and excessively low self esteem

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

13. Famous People with Bipolar Disorder Jim Carrey Robert Downey Jr. Ben Stiller Robin Williams Beethoven Van Gogh Tim Burton JimiHenrix

14. Famous People cont.. Sylvia Plath Winston Churchill Theodore Roosevelt Edgar Allen Poe Mark Twain Abraham Lincoln

15. Results Thoughts of death, suicide Unwanted consequences for rash decisions Substance abuse Higher risks for heart disease, migraines, obesity, and anxiety disorders

16. Treatment Psychotherapy, aka talk therapy Talk 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 patient Usually anti-depressants Paired with therapy, medications can prevent negative side effects of bipolar disorder

18. Lifestyle Changes Get regular sleep Eat regular meals Exercise regularly Stay with your treatment

19. Light at the end of the tunnel

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