Final answer:
Bipolar disorder is characterized by mania and depression, with mixed episodes occurring rarely. It affects a significant portion of U.S. adults annually and requires professional treatment. Treatment methods, like antidepressants, help manage symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mood Disorders and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of extreme activity, happiness, risk-taking, and inability to focus, or mania, and episodes of extreme sadness or lack of interest in activities and social interaction, or depression. In rare cases, these episodes can occur simultaneously, which are referred to as mixed episodes. Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression due to the marked mood swings between mania and depression.
The National Institute of Mental Health statistics reveal that mood disorders are the second most common mental disorders in the United States, with significant numbers of U.S. adults likely affected on yearly and lifetime bases. Major mood disorders include major depression and dysthymic disorder. It is crucial to understand that while it may be common for individuals to experience general sadness, a true depressive episode is a considerable, long-term affliction that typically necessitates professional treatment.
Regarding treatment, various methods, including the use of antidepressants, can help in managing the symptoms of major depression and other mood disorders. Understanding the physiological underpinnings of mood and mental illnesses, such as the synaptic coupling, is essential in addressing these conditions effectively.