A young man slings his bag over his shoulder and wonders the difference between a good mood and a manic mood

What’s the Difference Between a Good Mood and a Manic Episode?

Bipolar disorder affects nearly six million Americans every year. Bipolar is characterized by both episodes of major depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Symptoms of depressive episodes are identical to those of unipolar depression and include sadness, lethargy, disturbed sleep, slow movements, feelings of hopelessness, poor concentration, physical aches, losing interest in things you… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between a Good Mood and a Manic Episode?

A woman sits in a chair with a cup of tea and wonders if bipolar disorder is different in men and women

Is Bipolar Disorder Different in Men and Women?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by both episodes of depression and episodes of mania, or less intense manic episodes called hypomania. During a depressive episode, someone typically exhibits all the classic symptoms of depression, including sadness, hopelessness, lethargy, sleep disturbances, aches, poor concentration and memory, and thoughts of suicide or death. The manic episodes, on the… Continue Reading Is Bipolar Disorder Different in Men and Women?

a man holds up a black and white mask and asks his therapist what causes mood swings in people with bipolar disorder

What Causes Mood Swings in People with Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of depression alternating with periods of elevated mood, sometimes mania that requires hospitalization. Each of these periods may last weeks or months and may change without warning. Someone can be so depressed she can hardly get out of bed and a few days later she may have a lot… Continue Reading What Causes Mood Swings in People with Bipolar Disorder?

a doctor taps a medical interface and thinks about how brain scans may diagnose bipolar disorder

Brain Scans May Diagnose Bipolar Disorder

A recent study suggests that brain scans may someday be able to more accurately distinguish bipolar disorder from major depression. The researchers used an MRI machine to study how patients’ brains reacted to seeing various kinds of facial expressions. They were particularly interested in the amygdala, an area of the brain–technically two areas–which is responsible… Continue Reading Brain Scans May Diagnose Bipolar Disorder

a man talks to his son about the cost of keeping secrets

Do You Know the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depression, is a condition characterized by alternating depressive and manic episodes. Nearly six million American adults struggle with bipolar disorder. It is a difficult condition that often leads to problems with work and relationships. It also frequently leads to addiction. More than half of people with bipolar… Continue Reading Do You Know the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

a man holds up two masks and asks his therapist what are the symptoms of bipolar disorder

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a major risk factor for addiction. More than half of people with bipolar disorder will struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among people with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is often mistaken for depression and it takes an average of… Continue Reading What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?