Awareness
Manic-depressive illness has a devastating impact on many people
- At least 2 million
Americans suffer from manic-depressive illness. For those
afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and
disruptive.
- Like other serious
illnesses, bipolar disorder is also hard on spouses, family
members, friends, and employers.
- Family members
of people with bipolar disorder often have to cope with serious
behavioral problems (such as wild spending sprees) and the
lasting consequences of these behaviors.
- Bipolar disorder
tends to run in families and is believed to be inherited in
many cases. Despite vigorous research efforts, a specific
genetic defect associated with the disease has not yet been
detected.
- Bipolar illness
has been diagnosed in children under age 12, although it is
not common in this age bracket. It can be confused with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, so careful diagnosis is necessary.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT DEPRESSION
WRITE TO:
DEPRESSION
6001 Executive Boulevard, Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
|
|
.gif)
