At least 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness. This brochure describes bipolar disorder, gives signs a brief description of symptoms, types of treatment, and how to find help. It is useful for distribution in health units, mental health centers, physicians offices, etc. This fact sheet describes the symptoms of the illness, which include depression, mania, and sometimes psychosis, and the treatment choices.
Genetic research indicates that heredity plays a role in the disorder.
A lifetime illness that typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, bipolar disorder is often not recognized as an illness, causing needless suffering for years or even decades. Effective treatment for this illness can alleviate suffering and usually prevent its devastating complications, which can include marital breakups, financial and occupational difficulties or losses, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. Return to the top of the page Facts About Bipolar Illness At least 2 million Americans suffer from this distressing and disruptive illness. Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder also impacts family, friends, and co-workers. Bipolar illness often runs in families.