Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. It is also known as manic-depressive illness. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and very different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through. It is the third most common mood disorder after major depression and dysthymic disorder. It affects about 1% of adults during their lifetime. The symptoms of bipolar disorder typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood, continuing to recur throughout life. Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. The consequences of the illness can be devastating, including marital break-ups, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse. Bipolar illness is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse. Without effective treatment, bipolar illness leads to suicide in nearly twenty percent of cases. There are effective treatments available that greatly reduce the......

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Title: Bipolar Disorder
Approximate Word Count: 2119
Approximate Pages: 9 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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