Bipolar Disorder is an illness that is classified as extreme changes in ones mood, energy, and social behavior. It consists of a series of highs and lows that can range from extreme manias, known as highs, and extreme depression, known as lows. Bipolar Disorder affects about two million people a year, both men and women equally. Men usually start with a manic episode while women tend to start with a depressive episode (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 2003). Although it is more common in people in there twenties and around the age of thirty, Bipolar disorder can also affect the children of parents who have the disorder. When one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk to each child is estimated to be 15-30%. When both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk increases to 50-75%. According to Papolos & Papolos, 1999, “The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that up to one third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the United States may actually be suffering from the onset of Bipolar Disorder.” (Wilkinson, Taylor, Holt).
Bipolar Disorder only affects about 1 % of the population and if left untreated can become fatal (Chapma). Bipolar has also linked genetically and has been proven to run in families (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 2003). This does not mean that genetics are the only cause. Stressful events also play a factor and may actually bring on a manic or depressive episode. Bipolar Disorder varies in severity and frequency from person to person and may last from weeks, to months, or to years. Some people may have mild episodes of both manic and depression while others may have severe depression and mild manic episodes. In severe cases hallucinations and delusions have been noted in both manic and depressive episodes. There is no standard for the frequently or severity of episodes. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of people with Bipolar Disorder commit suicide.
There are many symptoms of...