Bipolar Disorder Medical Reference

Low periods are part of bipolar disorder. Learn how to recognize depression and how to get through it.

Bipolar disorder and major depression might seem similar, but there are important differences. WebMD helps you sort it out and stay healthy.

When someone has bipolar disorder, sticking with medication isn't always easy. WebMD explains how to provide the support that person needs.

It's not unusual for your mood to go from low to high -- unless the changes are extreme. Find out what might be causing your ups and downs and what you can do.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can sometimes be hard to tell apart. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments of each to see how they're different.

A list of contributors to the topic on Bipolar Disorder: Manic Episodes.

Healthwise information on bipolar disorder.

Healthwise information provided on managing a manic episode in adolescents.

A list of topics related to Bipolar Disorder in Children: Other Health Problems That May Occur.

Depression, extreme mood or personality changes, or episodes of intense or unusually high energy seen in bipolar disorder can be caused by many disorders. Other possible causes for these types of symptoms include:Drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse.Schizophrenia.Depression.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Hypothyroidism.Psychosis from steroid use.It is also possible that ...

This list of authors contributed to the topic on bipolar disorder.

A list of topics related to Bipolar Disorder: Helping Someone During a Manic Episode.

A list of contributors to the topic on Bipolar Disorder in Children: Other Health Problems That May Occur.

Some mood disorders are characterized by manic episodes,periods of abnormally high energy. Behavior may be diagnosed as a manic episode if: An abnormal and continuously elevated (happy or energetic) mood or an irritable mood occurs and lasts at least 5 days. During this elevated or irritable mood,at least three of the following symptoms are present: Inflated self-esteem or unrealistic ...

This list of authors contributed to the topic on bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence.

If you or your child take lithium for bipolar disorder, watch for the first signs of high levels of lithium in the blood. It's important to maintain a careful balance of lithium in the blood, and the difference between helpful (therapeutic) levels and toxic levels is very small. Signs of high lithium include:Shaky hands and muscle twitching.Weakness, loss of balance, and/or drowsiness.Vomiting ...

Healthwise information on bipolar disorder.

There are no lab tests for bipolar disorder. Instead, your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms.

Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be effectively treated with a combination of medications and counseling.

Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented, but often the mood swings can be controlled with medications.

A list of topics related to Differences Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder in Children.

You may feel frustrated around a person with bipolar disorder who is having a manic episode. The high energy level can be tiring or even frightening. The person may also actually enjoy the mania and may not take medications,which can prolong the episode. In addition,the person may say and do unusual or hurtful things. You can help during a manic episode by doing the following: Spend time ...

With bipolar disorder, you alternate between episodes of depression and mania. In between, you may return completely to normal or have some remaining symptoms.

Hypomanic episodes can occur in people who have mood disorders. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes,although a hypomanic episode can still interfere with your ability to function properly. Hypomania may be diagnosed if: A distinct period of elevated or irritable mood occurs in which the mood is clearly different from a regular nondepressed mood. Three or more of the ...

There is no laboratory test to diagnose bipolar disorder.