What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a condition that causes extreme mood shifts, ranging from mania (high) to depression (low).
In mania, the person may feel abnormally energetic, happy, or irritable and sometimes a reduced need for sleep. While in a depressive episode, the person may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest and pleasure in almost all activities. These episodes affect an individual’s behavior, judgment, sleep, energy, activity, and the ability to think.
Worldwide Bipolar Disorder Prevalence Estimated at 2.4%. The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years, although the illness can start in early childhood. Men and women are equally prone to bipolar, and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups, and social classes.
Bipolar disorder may be caused by the combination of different factors such as Genetic Factors (having a family member with the same condition), Biological factors (imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones), Environmental factors(life events such as significant loss, abuse).
