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Mental Health: Facts & Statistics
BIPOLAR DISORDER
One of the problems with accurately portraying Bipolar Disorder is showing its effects over time. It is characterized by periods of depression and manic behavior, lows and highs, which have very different effects on the individual.
- Studies show that 80 to 90% of those who suffer from bipolar disorder have relatives with some form of depression. – National Mental Health Association, 2000
- Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults, or about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. – National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
- The average age at onset for a first manic episode is the early twenties. – National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
- Symptoms of a Manic Episode:
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
- Distractibility, can't concentrate well
- Little sleep needed
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
- Poor judgment
- Spending sprees
- A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
- Increased sexual drive
- Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
- Denial that anything is wrong
– National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
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Specific Mental Illnesses:
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