Bipolar Disorder

A comprehensive approach

Adventist Health offers professional treatment options for individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning.

These changes may be subtle or dramatic. They typically vary over the course of a person's life. More than 10 million people in the U.S. have bipolar disorder. The disorder affects men and women equally. It is a chronic, life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last for days, even months. Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

• Either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
• Increased physical and mental activity and energy
• Racing thoughts and flights of ideas
• Increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
• Ambitious, often grandiose plans
• Risk taking
• Impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion and alcohol abuse
• Decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue

When several symptoms of mania occur at a time, last longer than two weeks and interfere with normal function, social activities or relationships with others, professional treatment is needed.

To learn more or to speak with one of our mental health professionals, call(323) 265-5035, ext. 2.