Information From NAMI Information about Bipolar Disorder from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Information From NIMH Information about Bipolar Disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Bipolar Disorder Requires Combination Therapy Monotherapy (the use of just one medication) usually fails as a long-term treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Combination therapy (usually a mood-stabilizer plus an antipsychotic medication) is far more effective.
Lifelong Treatment For Severe Mood Disorders Research shows that Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are episodic, but lifelong, disorders. Each year after onset, for Bipolar I and II Disorder, there is a 40% chance of recurrence. Likewise, each year after onset, there is a 20% chance of recurrence for Major Depressive Disorder. This constant risk of recurrence persists over the entire life-span up to the age of 70 or more.
Most Don't Fully Recover 2-4 Years After 1st Mania Bipolar I Disorder is a severe illness. The majority of individuals have significant functional impairment 2-4 years after their first episode of mania.
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