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.
D/ART: A National Educational Program
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has launched the
Depression/Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment (D/ART) campaign to help
people:
- Recognize the symptoms of depressive disorders, including bipolar disorder
- Obtain an accurate diagnosis
- Obtain effective treatments
D/ART Also:
- Encourages and trains health care professionals to recognize the signs of
manic-depressive illness and utilize the most up-to-date treatment approaches
- Organizes citizens' advocacy groups to extend the D/ART program
- Works with industry to improve recognition, treatment, and insurance
coverage for depressive disorders.
top
home | awareness | recognition
| treatment | getting help
| information contact
articles |
send page
|
