Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic–depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania.
By Lizette Borreli | May 20, 2013 10:31 PM EDT
Become aware of the possible mental health problems your child may have with these five common symptoms.
By Susan Scutti | May 10, 2013 11:39 AM EDT
The Lancet reviews recent findings in the research of genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar disorder.
By Sabrina Bachai | May 03, 2013 03:52 PM EDT
Researchers at the University of Manchester are conducting clinical trials to prove decreased depression when ECT and ketamine drug therapy are combined.
By Susan Scutti | Apr 30, 2013 12:24 PM EDT
Proper treatment helps most people with bipolar disorder gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms. Even for people with the most severe forms of the illness, this is true.
By Elijah Wolfson | Apr 26, 2013 03:28 PM EDT
Jessie Close, sister of award-winning actress Glenn Close, is working on a memoir about living with bipolar disorder. Glenn will contribute as a writer and will also record the audio version.
By Justin Caba | Apr 19, 2013 01:36 PM EDT
The anti-teen drinking group MADD says alcohol-related driving deaths shouldn't be the heaviest concern on a parent's mind.
By Ansa Varughese | Apr 09, 2013 11:44 AM EDT
Different Google searches of mental illness across seasons help scientists trace mental health trends.
By Matthew Mientka | Mar 18, 2013 02:11 PM EDT
The American Psychiatric Association is expanding its criteria for that label with the upcoming release in May of the fifth version of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the "Bible" of mental health practitioners. However, some "psyches" and a number of would-be patients with Internet connections remain critical of the medicalization of normal ranges of thought and experience.
By Jonathan Weiss | Feb 28, 2013 10:36 AM EST
A large-scale genetic analysis has shown that major mental disorders share common key mutations, holding hope for understanding the diseases and possible treatments.
By Makini Brice | Oct 23, 2012 04:04 PM EDT
Though scientists are still unsure about the causes of autism spectrum disorder, a multinational team of researchers believe that they have linked the condition with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
By Christine Hsu | Oct 16, 2012 02:12 PM EDT
Creativity is frequently paired with mental illness, according to a new study that confirms the stereotype that people in creative professions are significantly more susceptible to psychiatric disorders than the general population.
By Amber Moore | Sep 01, 2012 10:59 AM EDT
Researchers have found that a gene called NCAN is closely associated with the mood swings that occur in people with bipolar disorder.
By Makini Brice | Aug 14, 2012 03:47 PM EDT
The Mayo Clinic announced yesterday that Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is seeking treatment for bipolar disorder.
By Christine Hsu | Jun 26, 2012 05:21 PM EDT
Chronic stress blocks a gene that protects the brain from mood disorders, according to a new study that may provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
By Christine Hsu | Jun 04, 2012 11:46 AM EDT
Genius and insanity may actually go together, according to scientists who found that mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often found in highly creative and intelligent people.
