What are the characteristics of the bipolar disorders? As a clinician, what symptoms would you look for to make the diagnosis? If someone in a family is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how are other people in the family affected?

... What are the characteristics of the bipolar disorders? As a clinician, what symptoms would you look for to make the diagnosis? If someone in a family is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how are other people in the family affected? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function (Mental Help Net, 2004). Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. Bipolar Disorder is broken down into two types: Bipolar I: For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder, at least one manic or mixed episode clearly is or has been present (APA, 2000). DSM-IV Criteria for Bipolar I Disorder consists of: One or more Manic or Mixed episodes Commonly accompanied by a history of one or more

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