International Bipolar Foundation

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Our mission is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education.

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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

Are bipolar I and bipolar II treated the same?

Essentially yes, though with one significant exception. The difference between bipolar I and II is the difference between hypomania and mania (mild to moderate mood elevation vs. acute mood elevation). When one has a full manic episode or a manic psychosis, hospitalization is typically required,...
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

How does bipolar disorder change with age?

It appears that there is a developmental trajectory of the symptoms of bipolar disorder from childhood to adulthood. In early childhood, it is more common to have mixed states and ultra-rapidly cycling symptoms. As children with bipolar disorder become a little older, the pattern is likely to shift.
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Dr. John R. Kelsoe, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What is bipolar I disorder?

Yes, bipolar I disorder is serious. Manias can result in hospitalization, psychosis and substantial impairment in function. Depressions can also cause serious suffering and impairment. People with bipolar I disorder almost always require lifelong medication treatment.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What kind of medicine is needed to treat bipolar I disorder?

Mood stabilizers are the foundation for treatment of bipolar disorder. These medication are designed to not only make the symptoms go away, but to prevent them from returning. These medications are particularly effective in the treatment of mania, but markedly less effective in the treatment of the.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

How can I tell if my partner can understand my bipolar disorder?

While discussing bipolar disorder with your romantic partner, gauge his/her response for signs of understanding, compassion, and support. If you do not feel like this person respects you or regards you less for having this diagnosis, then he/she might not be worth your time. If they call you names,.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 14

What is the best treatment option for bipolarism?

The foundation for treatment of bipolar disorder is a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilizers are medications that have been shown to prevent future highs and lows. The traditional antidepressants have never been shown to prevent depressive episodes.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

How can I educate my family about my bipolar disorder?

Providing literature on bipolar disorder will be beneficial, although explaining your experience in your own words might be most powerful. If possible, and if your spouse is willing, consider inviting him/her into a therapy session so he/she may gather information from a mental health professional..
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

What are the symptoms of bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar disorder involves mood variability which entails the presence of both depressed mood and elevated mood. The diagnosis is rendered based on broad patterns of variable mood and energy that are not readily explained by other psychiatric diagnoses or other physiologic conditions. Bipolar disorde
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Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

Can bipolar disorder be cured?

There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but symptoms can generally be managed well.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 06

How do I choose a mental health expert for my bipolar child?

The best mental health experts for bipolar disorder are those that specifically specialize in the illness. The best way to find such people is Google “mood disorders program," followed by your local region, or contact International Bipolar Foundation at www.InternationalBipolarFoundation.org. &
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 02

What does bipolar depression feel like?

Bipolar depression feels no different than unipolar depression. Depression feels like depression – sadness, feeling down or feeling blue, dysphoria, low energy, low motivation, low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and self-criticism, interpersonal withdrawal, etc. What makes it different is the fact..
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Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 02

Can rTMS help treat bipolar depression?

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TCMS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a series of magnetic pulses are applied to precise brain areas. The treatment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for depression, though not specifically for bipolar depression
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Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 02

What is a euthymic state in bipolar disorder?

The mood state that we want a bipolar person to spend as much time as possible in is the euthymic state, which translates from Latin into "true mood" or normal mood. A stable and consistent normal mood is desirable and when we track mood states during the course of treatment it is importan
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 02

How common is it for people with bipolar disorder to relapse?

The lifetime prevalence of the full spectrum of bipolar disorder about ~4%, including ~1% Bipolar disorder type I, ~1% Bipolar disorder type II, and ~2% sub-threshold bipolar disorder.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Jun 02

What is bipolar NOS?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which people experiences symptoms of depression that alternate with periods of increased energy. Note that mood elevation is not necessary to be in a high. Many people feel anxious, agitated, irritable, and restless during these periods of highs.
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