Bipolar disorder occurs in both men and women. About 5.7 million people in the United States have the disorder. There is no racial group that is more afflicted by this disease. They have problems with peer relationships also.

There is a significant genetic component to bipolar disorder. Research also indicates that people with bipolar disorder have physical changes in their brains. Hormonal imbalances also are thought to be responsible. A period of emotional stress, drug use, an illness, or another event seems to trigger the onset of the disease.

Bipolar disorder patient have mood swings from depression to mania. When they feel depressed then they have symptoms of sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, their appetite and sleep get disturbed. They also lose interest in activities they like to enjoy before; they became socially isolated and cry easily. When they are on the other spectrum of the disease like mania/hypomania then they feel that they are at the top of the world, they can conquer any thing. They have high energy levels, they need less amount of sleep, their speech is fast and pressured, they have many ideas going in their mind at the same time. They are easily distractible, they will take risks (driving fast, increase sexual activity, increase illegal substance use, increase shopping spree).

Bipolar disorder cannot be cured but with proper long term treatment help control it. Without treatment the person can have those mood swings that can be detrimental to their family, their social and financial well being. Without treatment they are at risk of committing suicide also.

Bipolar disorder is treated with medicines to stop the mood swings. Mood stabilizers are used to even out highs and lows in your mood. Traditional mood stabilizer (Lithium, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine), Antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone) and Antidepressents help regulate and stabilize mood so that one does not swing between depression and mania.