More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older, have bipolar disorder in any given year. This long-term illness is also known as
manic depression, as it involves episodes of both mania and
depression. Some symptoms of a manic episode can include increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, and excessive involvement in risky behaviors. With depression, symptoms can include a persistently sad mood, oversleeping, and difficulty concentrating. As with other long-term illnesses (such as
diabetes or
heart disease), bipolar disorder must be carefully managed throughout a person's lifetime.
(Click Bipolar Disorder to read the full eMedTV article on this topic. This article takes an in-depth look at what this illness is and other possible symptoms of the condition. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
