Characteristics of Bipolar Disorders Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function (Mental Help Net, 2004). Unlike the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor work or school performance, and even suicide. Bipolar disorder is divided into two types: Bipolar I: For a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, at least one mixed manicor episode (APA) is clearly or has been present. , 2000). The DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder consist of: One or more manic or mixed episodes Commonly accompanied by a history of one or more major depressive episodes, but not required for diagnosis. Manic or mixed episodes cannot be due to a medical condition, medications, drugs of abuse, toxins, or treatments for depression. The symptoms cannot be attributed to a psychotic disorder. Mania is sometimes called the other extreme of depression. Mania is an intense effect in which the person feels euphoric, almost indestructible in areas such as personal finances, business dealings or relationships. They may have high self-esteem, be more talkative than usual, have a flight of ideas, a reduced need for sleep, and be easily distracted. Getting high, while it may seem tempting, often leads to serious difficulties in these areas, such as spending much more money than expected, making extremely reckless personal and business decisions, engaging in dangerous sexual behavior, and/or using drugs or alcohol. Depression is... center of paper... associated with medications. The third aspect involves the doctor, the family and the subject of education. The doctor must help educate both the patient and the family about bipolar illness. They must be aware of the dangers of substance abuse, situations that could lead to relapse, and the essential role of medications. Support groups for patients and families are hugely important. References: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.Mental Help Net. (2004). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved February 5, 2004, from http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=4Soreff, S. (2004). Bipolar affective disorder. eMedicine Journal. Retrieved February 5, 2004, from http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic229.htm