Bipolar Disorder: Patient Information & Resources

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, causes mild or extreme mood swings, which scientists think may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include periods of extreme happiness, increased energy, and feeling invincible; and at other times, sadness, irritability, and depression.

Other common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

• Frequently feeling angry
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Sleeping too much, or not sleeping at all
• Feeling very powerful and important
• Trouble concentrating
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Spending too much money
• Alcohol and/or drug abuse
• Having sex without being careful to avoid pregnancy or disease

To help you get better:

• Read about bipolar disorder and teach your family what you learn.
  
  
• Follow a routine for more stability. Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day. Eat regular meals and exercise.
  
  
• Take your medicine every day, and don't stop taking it when you are feeling better. Avoid caffeine and over-the-counter medicines for colds, allergies and pain. Avoid too much alcohol.
  
  
• Try to avoid stress.
  
  
• Learn the early warning signs of your mood swings. Tell your doctor when you notice changes starting.
  
  
• Join a local support group.
  

The following organizations offer more information:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH is the leading federal agency for research in mental and behavioral disorders.

Fact Sheet:

• Bipolar Disorder

General contact information:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Science Writing, Press and Dissemination Branch
6001 Executive Blvd. Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
www.nimh.nih.gov
866-615-6464

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): DBSA is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization, focusing on the most prevalent mood-related mental illnesses, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Fact Sheets:

• Introduction to Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• You’ve Just Been Diagnosed…What Now?
• Myths and Facts about Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Dual Diagnosis and Recovery

General contact information:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60654-7225
www.dbsalliance.org
800-826-3632

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with serious mental illness and their families.

Fact Sheet:

• Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery

General contact information:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
www.nami.org
800-950-6264

Mental Health America (MHA): MHA (formerly the National Mental Health Association) is the nation’s oldest nonprofit advocacy organization.

Fact Sheets:

• Bipolar Disorder: What You Need to Know
• What is Bipolar Disorder? A Guide to Hope and Recovery in African-Americans
• Mood Disorders

General contact information:
Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard St., 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
www.nmha.org
800-969-6642