Bipolar Disorder

Anderson 1 What is mental illness? Mental illnesses are disorders of thought, mood and behavior that cause distress and reduce a person's ability to function psychologically, socially, occupationally and interpersonally. On mental illness that hits close to home due to a family member having it is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a disorder of moods. It is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the signs and symptoms …

…how that correlates to easing depression remains unknown. ECT works quickly, usually showing a response after several treatments. Its important to educate yourself on bipolar disorder along with other mental illnesses, especially if it runs in your family. Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 1 percent to 5 percent of adults in the United States. It often begins in adolescence or early adult-hood and may persist for life. The sooner its detected, the soon help can be obtained.