Looking back on my childhood, I realize everyone “walked on eggshells” so we wouldn’t upset my dad who was prone to what we called “his moods.” I’m starting to see similar unpredictable moods in our 20-year old son who lives with us.  My sister has mentioned an illness called bipolar disorder, something she thinks our father possibly suffered from. What can you tell me about this illness?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior.  Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person’s mood can alternate between the “poles” of high (mania) and low (depression). The change in mood can last for hours, days, weeks or months. It’s important to distinguish these mood states from normal mood reactions that might occur due to death, other types of loss, medication side effects, euphoria over extremely good news, etc.

Bipolar disorder affects more than two million adult Americans. It usually begins in late adolescence, often appearing as depression during teen years, although it can start in early childhood or later in life. An equal number of men and women develop this illness. Men tend to begin with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode. Bipolar disorder is found among all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. The illness tends to run in families and appears to have a genetic link. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can also negatively affect spouses, partners, family members, friends and co-workers. There are subtypes of the illness based on patterns and severity of symptoms, but a general description of symptoms is: 

Mania phase:

·        Increased physical/mental activity and energy

·        Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism, and self-confidence

·        Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior

·        Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue

·        Racing speech, thoughts, and flight of ideas

·        Increased sexual drive

·        Reckless behavior

 Depression phase:

·        Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells

·        Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns

·        Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety

·        Pessimism, less energy, persistent lethargy

·        Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

·        Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness

·        Recurring thoughts of death and suicide 

Try to engage your son in a conversation about the behaviors you see and your concern. If possible, encourage him to talk with a mental health professional with expertise in evaluation/assessment. Several therapies exist for bipolar disorder and promising new treatments are currently under investigation. Treatments may include medication, talk therapy and support groups. The Mental Health Association can help you identify treatment providers. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (314-865-2112) can provide information about times and locations of support groups for persons with bipolar illness. The Alliance for the Mentally Ill-St. Louis (314-966-4670) can provide information about support groups for family members of persons with bipolar, as well as other mental illnesses.  

Education Department
Mental Health Association

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