Welcome to the Bipolar Support Group
It’s the place you want to be if you’re looking for information, understanding and/or to vent about anything and everything concerning Bipolar Disorder. The site is made and run mostly by Bipolar individuals but we also have parents, significant others, friends and other family members. All are welcome, but nearly everything on the BSG is off limit for non members, to protect personal information and to let us express ourselves freely. Again, welcome to the BSG we look forward to meeting you!
Facts for family and friends
- Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder
- About 5.7 million adults are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder yearly
- The Average age being 25
- Alcohol and drugs are often used as a form of self medication.
- According to the American Psychiatric Association the suicide rate for Bipolar Disorder is higher than 15%
- It can take up to a year for a person to fully recover from a severe Bipolar episode.
- It can take up to 3 years for a person to adjust and be on the correct medications.
- Children and teenagers are often misdiagnosed with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder is genetic
- Bipolar Disorder usually needs to be treated with medication
- It isn’t unusual for a person to relapse after being stable
- Rapid cycler – a person who has four or more severe episodes in a year
- Mixed mania (mixed episodes) – when both depressive and manic episodes occur in a day for about a week
[/size] Fast, J. A. and Preston, PhD J. (2006) Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder: a 4-step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the illness and Create Lasting Stability. a note for family members and family xx-xxi Fast, J. A. and Preston, PhD J. (2006) Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder: a 4-step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the illness and Create Lasting Stability. What is Bipolar Disorder? 10,21