The Link Between Artists and Bipolar Disease essays

The Link Between Artists and Bipolar Disease essays About 1% of the world's population is thought to have some form of bipolar disorder, from mild to severe. Statistically, men and women are equally represented. Approximately 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder eventually commit suicide. This is 30 times higher than the general population! Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. It is a brain disorder that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. What happens when a person has bipolar disorder is they go through current episodes of mania and major depression. Unlike the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are very serious. A person that has this illness can have mood swings that go from a very high point (mania) to a very low point (depression) and can usually have periods of normal mood in between. Some people may have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, while others may have only slight symptoms of mania. These symptoms worsen and usually result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. The only positive aspect of bipolar disorder is that it can be treated and the people who have this illness can recover and lead a happy life. Most of the time, bipolar disorder develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some people do have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. Bipolar disorder is very hard to be recognized as an illness, so people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. The symptoms for mania are; increased energy, increased activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, rapid speech, euphoria, irritability, distractibility, decreased sleep requirement, poor judgement, increased sexual drive, denial, overspending and risky behavior. The symptoms for depression are; persistent sad or empty mood, fee...