Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Prevalent, Less Talked

A runway show by Italian designer Gimmo Etro at Saks Fifth Avenue at Somerset Collection in Troy hopes to shine a spotlight on bipolar disorder and its symptoms: one of the most prevalent and least talked about mood disorders in the United States. It will also benefit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund at the University of Michigan Depression Center.

The show, which opens at 6:30 p.m. May 21, will include a reception and brief remarks about breakthrough bipolar disorder research conducted at the University of Michigan Depression Center. Funds raised in conjunction with this event will help advance critically needed research already underway at the University of Michigan Depression Center.

According to Prechterfund, more than 5.7 million adult Americans are living with Bipolar disorder. Many others don't know the symptoms of bipolar disorder. People diagnosed with bipolar II disorder do not experience manias but have milder episodes called hypomanias. In addition, they also experience alternating depressive episodes, experience milder episodes of hypomania with alternating depression. Manic and depressive symptoms can also occur at the same time which is called a mixed episode. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is when a person experiences four or more episodes of manias, hypomanias, or depressive episodes over the course of a year.

Symptoms of the "highs" of bipolar disorder include:

* Increased physical and mental activity and energy

* Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence

* Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior

* Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue

* Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance

* Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas

* Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility (which may lead to "spending sprees", sexual promiscuity, high-risk business ventures)

* Reckless behavior (driving, etc.)

* In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations

Bipolar disorder in children is more common than people think it is. It is not known for kids under 6 to get this disease but for kids that are older than 6 or teens that have this disorder, they will experience mood swings with ups and downs that are extreme. When they are having an up period they will have brief, intense outbursts or they will feel irritable, mania, a couple of different times a day every day. When they are in a down period they will feel sad and depressed. Several therapies exist and promising new treatments for bipolar disorder are currently under investigation.

Information from University of Michigan Health Center, Bipolarsymptoms.org and Prechter Bipolar Research Fund contributed to this story.