bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorders are a class of Axis I mood disorders with severe physical, social, and psychological consequences to the patient, the patient’s friends and family, and society as a whole. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., the lifetime prevalence for the three main types of bipolar disorders (bipolar type I, bipolar type II, and cyclothymic disorder) combined is approximately 1-2% percent, and unlike major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder …

…they will require medication for the rest of their lives. Though the effects of bipolar disorder are horrific for all involved, there is hope. Treatments continue to be improved, and we can only hope that someday gene therapy and modern medicine will unravel the underlying causes of bipolar disorder and be able to eradicate them. Until then, people with bipolar disorder must do their best to accept their disease and take responsibility for their treatment.