In the fourth episode we take a look at Bipolar Disorder. What is it? What are its symptos? Can we treat it? I go through the basics of what is Bipolar Disorder, and make some suggestions on how to manage it. We also will modify the format of the podcast for solo rounds. We are adding a new segment titled Did You See That? Psychology in the News. We will take a look at music therapy for people with Alzheimers.  According to the Stanford University School of Medicine Biploar Disorder is"Also known as manic depressive illness, bipolar disorder is characterized by severe and disabling highs (mania) and lows (depression).” It goes between the two poles. Think of it as a football or a soccer field. On one end is mania and on the other is depression. The person goes from the depths of depression to the highs of mania over and over. The research varies on how many people are affected by it. The numbers are between 2.2 million and 6 million Americans. “This illness typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life, with 80% of patients experiencing multiple manic episodes and 15% ending their lives in suicide.” It affects equal numbers of men and women, and the research shows there is a strong genetic link. A person is more likely to develop it if they have a family member who suffered from it.    Symptoms of Mania: The "Highs" of Bipolar Disorder Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas Impulsiveness, poor judgment, easily distracted Reckless behavior  In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations  Symptoms of Depression: The "Lows" of Bipolar Disorder Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety Pessimism, indifference Loss of energy, persistent lethargy Feelings of guilt, worthlessness Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal Unexplained aches and pains Recurring thoughts of death or suicide For more information about Bipolar Disorder check out: Stanford University School of Medicine Bipolar Disorders Clinic at www.bipolar.org or The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at dbsalliance.org. Find me at www.drneilstafford.com, Dr Neil Stafford on Facebook, drneil06 on Instagram, and drseab on Twitter.