FAST FACTS on BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar Disorder affects up to 3-4% o the population in South Africa Bipolar Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world
Bipolar Disorder is not restricted to any social or educational class, race, or nationality

Bipolar Disorder was previously known as Manic-Depressive illness

 Bipolar Disorder is a physical illness marked by extreme changes in mood, energy, thinking and behaviour

Bipolar Disorder is typically seen as episodes of deep depression and manic highs

 Bipolar Disorder often disrupts work, school, family and social life

Men and women are equally affected; however men tend to have more manic episodes, while women experience more depressive episode

Famous people in the past, like Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton, Abraham Lincoln, Vincent Van Gogh and others were all Bipolar sufferers.

 Bipolar Disorder is believed to be a combination of biochemical, genetic and psychological factors

.Bipolar Disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can continue throughout life
Bipolar Disorder can also affect children, however diagnosis is difficult as many symptoms mimic emotions and other behaviours such as ADHD

Bipolar Disorder in children significantly impairs functioning in school and at home with the family

It is not always recognized as an illness, and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years or even decadesBipolar Disorder is treatable, and is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness; very effective treatments are available

Important facts to know about psychiatric drugs

Psychiatric medication can take up to 6 weeks to become effective and show improvement in the individual’s condition.
The effect and effectiveness of psychiatric medication vary from individual to individual – not everyone responds the same way on different types of medication.
It is very important to remain compliant on your medication to reduce the risk of relapse which can lead to being hospitalised and having to endure a long and hard road to recovery.
Recreational or street drugs should never be used in conjunction with psychiatric medication,
as it can be very dangerous – do not use recreational or street drugs, period.