Bipolar disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.”

Causes

Most experts agree that there is no one specific cause of bipolar disorder. The illness tends to run in families, so the answer may involve genes. There is evidence to support the view that several genes work in concert, and are affected by environmental factors, to cause bipolar disorder.

Who has it?

In any given year, some 5.7 million American adults – or 2.6 percent of those age 18 or older – exhibit signs of bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms

Mania can manifest itself in the following ways: increased activity, restlessness, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, poor judgment, drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Depression can manifest itself in the following ways: extended and extreme bouts of sadness, feelings of helplessness or pessimism, decreased energy, thoughts of suicide or death.

Treatment

Medical prescribers use a type of medication listed under the general heading of “mood stabilizers” to treat bipolar disorder. Commonly prescribed medications include lithium, valproate and carbamazepine. Bipolar depression sometimes calls for the use of antidepressants (clozapine, olanzapine) as well.

Where to get help

In Spokane: Call Spokane Mental Health main switchboard at (509) 838-4651; for 24-hour First Call for Help crisis hotline, call (509) 838-4428.

In Coeur d’Alene: Call 24-hour mental-health crisis hotline at (208) 769-1406 or (888) 769-1405.