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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Muffy Walker of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 23

What is bipolar NOS?

Bipolar Disorder is a condition which includes fluctuation of moods from a "high" or irritable mood to depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very quick or last long period of times. Some people cycle rapidly between the two.
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Dr. John R. Kelsoe, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 23

What is the rate of incidence for bipolar I disorder?

This depends a bit on the study and the definition of bipolar I disorder. Generally, it is felt to affect about 1% of the population.
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 23

What can I expect from treatment for bipolar I disorder?

There isn’t a simple answer here as the specific treatment has everything to do with one’s unique mood patterns and the acuity of one’s bipolar symptoms. And these will be different and unique to each individual. That said if we were looking at the most common treatment elements, they would usually
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Ellen Frudakis of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 23

What mental health communities can help me cope with bipolar disorder?

If you are insecure about being around others because you worry that they won't understand your bipolar disorder, or if you are still experiencing symptoms that make it difficult to connect with others, try reaching out to mental health communities first. This can be less intimidating. In-Person..
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Dr. John R. Kelsoe, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 09

Can bipolar disorder be cured?

Episodes of bipolar disorder can be prevented by the use of mood stabilizer medications and psychotherapy and regulation of stress. Can bipolar disorder be prevented from ever occurring in the first place? We don’t know, but this is an area of increasing interest to researchers. Can you treat ado...
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 09

Can mixed bipolar disorder be prevented?

Mixed bipolar disorder is no more or less preventable than other presentations of bipolar disorder. It is simply one of the many ways the disorder can be manifested. Healthy lifestyle management and appropriate mental health treatment can help to mitigate the impact of mixed bipolar symptoms.
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 09

Why is bipolar depression such a debilitating mood state?

Bipolar depression is not always debilitating. We see a wide range of acuity with bipolar depression. Some depressive states may be mild whereas others can be acute. And for those with bipolar disorder who enter a mild depression, the experience is not necessarily debilitating. Now that said, there
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Dr. John R. Kelsoe, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 09

Is exercise important for bipolar II disorder?

Exercise has been shown in many studies to be a very effective antidepressant. It is one of the most important things anyone with bipolar disorder can do to help themselves. It is one of the most effective non-medication treatments we have.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 09

What are symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of mania or manic episodes in bipolar disorder include: an elevated, expansive, overly joyful, overly silly or irritable mood a decreased need for sleep racing thoughts rapid speech inflated self-esteem or "grandiosity" excessive involvement in pleasurable but risky act
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 03

How should I choose a doctor for my child with bipolar disorder?

Find a pediatrician or child psychiatrist (or pediatric psychiatrist) who specializes in mood disorders. Be persistent in finding someone who has had extensive experience with children manifesting symptoms of all kinds of mood disorders. Ask the doctor or pediatric psychiatrist whether they've treat
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 03

Can bipolar disorder make me psychotic?

Sometimes, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis (or psychotic symptoms). Common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of things not actually there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs not influenced by logica
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 03

Where can I get help for bipolar disorder?

Most psychiatrists are well trained to diagnose and initiate treatment of bipolar disorder. If one is unfamiliar with community psychiatric resources then a good place to start is with one’s primary care physician. He or she can often make a referral to a qualified mental health professional. If...
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Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 03

What are the symptoms of bipolar II disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar II disorder are not that different from bipolar I. The presence of major depression is a condition of both bipolar I and II. However with bipolar II, the elevated mood symptoms which are referred to as hypomania are not as acute as those seen in mania. Hypomanic symptoms are.
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Dr. Joseph R. Calabrese, MD of International Bipolar Foundation answered
On May 03

How can I tell if it's bipolar depression or postpartum depression?

Bipolar depression is almost always preceded by or followed by mania or hypomania. Look in your past to see if you have had periods of activation, periods of increased energy, periods where you have been depressed but anxiety agitated hyper, and restless. All of these things suggest bipolar disorder
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International Bipolar Foundation answered
On Apr 25

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged...
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