The median age for onset is around 25 years. However, I can begin in childhood or very late adulthood also. If you're wondering, I effect women and men equally. More than 2 million American adults/about 1 percent of the population age 18 or older in any given year have me. One of those 2 million could be you!
But I'm not the mean guy everyone thinks I am. Besides, I don't effect people all the time. I mean, people are stuck with me for life. However, it's not like they have an attack every month. Still, some people are able to lessen the frequency and severity of my attacks with treatment. Whatever. Killjoys. If you really want to look out for me, then looks at the risk factors. I do tend to run in families, and scientists are looking at the brain structure and functioning too. Hopefully they aren't successfull. Don't get rid of me! 
I'm sorry, but something must be done. I really am here to help you. We'll first start with antidepressants. But you see, I am client-centered therapy. I'll listen to you, and do my best not to analyze. I'll ask you questions, and paraphrase your answers, also clarify to ensure i understand the question and allow you to speak more, and reflect your feelings and mirror any body language or intensity I detect. Bipolar Disorder,let me help you, help yourself.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. You need help, Mrs. Bipolar. I think that we should probably sit down and go through some psychodynamic therapy. We'll talk about your life, your childhood and your relationships with people. From there, we'll draw a conclusion about where your bipolar problem comes from. From there, we can decide what will be the right thing to do. It is very possible that we'll have to start drug therapy. Perhaps some antianxiety or antidepressant drugs will do the trick.
ReplyDeleteHey, Bipolar Disorder, I'm the medical model and I think I have just the solution. It is called "Lithium." You just ingest it, and then with some brain chemistry wonder, your mind will calm to normal and you won't keep going with those wild mood swings. But don't blame me for the side-effects!
ReplyDelete