Know Anything About Bipolar Disorder???

I am trying to get resources for a family member and I don't know where to go.  Is there a place online that anyone can direct me to about symptoms and treatment for this disorder?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My condolences, hunny.  My mom's bipolar-not a fun thing.  Hope these links are of use to you, and best wishes.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-diso rder/DS00356

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder

I used to workat a psychiatric hospital where most of our patients were bipolar (or schizophrenic). The symptoms were a bit different from person to person but bipolar disorder is a switch between an extreme state of depression to a state of mania basically. When they were depressed they just stayed in bed, refused to eat, shower, etc. 99% of the problems came when they were in a manic state. Some of them women had sex without concern for protection or their own safety (we'd often have to put them on 1:1 observation for safety), they wouldn't be able to sleep at all, excessive talking, etc. Mayo Clinic is a good site.
For treatment, there's psychotherapy and medications. The medications only work when the person is willing to take them obviously. Our relapse in patients was due to a real lack of support system to keep them on meds and stable (not suggesting that this is how your case would be-- just pointing out that the meds do work when taken correctly).
Most of our patients were on some combo of albilify, clondine, topomax, lexapro, etc.

Also, google mental health services in your area. There should be at least a few organizations in your area that provide mental health services.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the assistance people - got some research to do! :)

NAMI, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, has tons of great sources for both local and national support and info.

I just learned a ton about this today at work! *Runs down stairs to get her book* These are resources for you to be able to call or write and request info and I think they would possibly be able to answer questions if you asked them. I hope this helps. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but its so complicated I don't want to give you wrong information. Because Bipolar disorder can often times be misdiagnosed or be given as a diagnosis when really there is another problem such as manic depressive disorder.

Okay someone already mentioned the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. (Here is their address and phone number to request info)

200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1015

Arlington VA 22203-3754

800-950-6264

 

Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network

NAMI Research Institute

5430 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 200

Bethesda, MD, 20814

800-518-SFBN

 

National Mental Health Association

National Mental Health Association Information Center

1021 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314-2971

800-248-4344