Dual Diagnosis and Recovery
Dual diagnosis is the term used when a person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and a problem with alcohol or drugs. A person who has a dual diagnosis has two separate illnesses, and each ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Suicide Prevention and Mood Disorders:
If depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) affects you or someone you care about, you know that one symptom of these illnesses may be feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. If such thoughts occur, there are ways ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Guide for Families
Mood disorders are treatable physical illnesses of the brain involving changes in energy, behavior, thought and mood. A person may experience periods of depression or alternating periods of depression and mania (known as bipolar disorder or manic ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Bipolar I Disorder
There are several kinds of bipolar disorder. Each kind is defined by the length, frequency and pattern of episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes (symptoms of both a ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal If you experience five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or family activities, consult with your doctor for a ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Mood Disorders and Other Illnesses
Mood disorders often co-exists with other mental or physical illnesses. Substance abuse, anxiety disorders and eating disorders are particularly common conditions that may be worsened by mood disorders. Research is showing, more and more, that ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a medical research study involving volunteer participants. Clinical trials are a standard research practice and are done on all medications before they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some trials evaluate the ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Psychotherapy: How it Works and How it Can Help
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can be an important part of treatment for depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression). A good therapist can help you cope with feelings and symptoms, and change behavior patterns that may ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Getting the Treatment You Need
Depression and bipolar disorder are mood disorders---real physical illnesses that affect a person's moods, thoughts, body, energy and emotions. Both illnesses, especially bipolar disorder, tend to follow a cyclical course of ups and ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Coping With Unexpected Events: Depression and Trauma
When we witness or experience a traumatic event, such as an act of violence or a natural disaster, we are affected mentally and emotionally. Whether we are personally involved in the incident, have family or friends who are injured or killed, are ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
What are depression and bipolar disorder?
A period of at least two weeks during which at least five of the following symptoms are present. Not able to enjoy things you once liked, not wanting to socialize A distinct period of elevated, enthusiastic or irritable mood that includes at ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
Bipolar Disorder Statistics
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. (National Institute of Mental Health) The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years (National ... [... more]
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance |
