These include marital break-ups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. Here are some facts about bipolar disorder. At least 2 million Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. For those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive. Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family members, friends, and employers.
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in many cases.
Despite vigorous research efforts, a specific genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been detected. Bipolar illness has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is not common in this age bracket. Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid talking. Extreme irritability and distractibility. It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in manic-depressive illness as a spectrum or continuous range.