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. Recognition Bipolar disorder involves cycles of mania and depression. In the other extreme, mania may be the main problem and depression may occur only infrequently.
Infectious humor ceases to amuse.
Recognition of the various mood states is essential so that the person who has manic-depressive illness can obtain effective treatment and avoid the harmful consequences of the disease, which include destruction of personal relationships, loss of employment, and suicide. Manic-depressive illness is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it. Thus even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings the individual often will deny that anything is wrong. In its early stages bipolar disorder may masquerade as a problem other than mental illness.