INFORMATION FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental illness that features episodes of depression and episodes of either mania (an e

INFORMATION FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental illness that features episodes of depression and episodes of either mania (an elevated mood state in which the individual is happy, but out of control) or hypomania (a less extreme form of mania in which the person is happy, but in control). Mania and hypomania are both defined by having any of the following symptoms: euphoria (exaggerated sense of happiness and confidence), jumpiness or being wired, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, agitation or restlessness, and impulsiveness characterized by poor, rapid decisions, such as going on spending sprees, or taking high sexual risks. The "controlled form" of mania includes happiness dominating over impulsiveness. Although hypomania sounds like a good trait, the problem is that it can easily convert to mania or simply deteriorate to a new episode of depression.

levated mood state in which the individual is happy, but out of control) or hypomania (a less extreme form of mania in which the person is happy, but in control). Mania and hypomania are both defined by having any of the following symptoms: euphoria (exaggerated sense of happiness and confidence), jumpiness or being wired, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, agitation or restlessness, and impulsiveness characterized by poor, rapid decisions, such as going on spending sprees, or taking high sexual risks. The "controlled form" of mania includes happiness dominating over impulsiveness. Although hypomania sounds like a good trait, the problem is that it can easily convert to mania or simply deteriorate to a new episode of depression