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1. What is bipolar disorder?

   Also called manic depressive illness or manic depression, this mental illness is characterized by episodic mood swings that range from overly "high" and/or irritable to sadness and hopelessness, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between.

2. Who usually is affected by bipolar disorder?

   Men and women are equally likely to develop the condition, usually before age 35. However, research has shown that women are as much as three times as likely as men to develop the rapid cycling form of the condition-with episodes occurring four or more times within a 12-month period. Most often, symptoms begin during a person's late teens or 20s. Research has shown that there is a genetic component to the disorder and that two thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the disorder or with unipolar major depression.

3. Can the disorder be effectively treated?

   Yes. For more than 30 years, lithium has been the treatment of choice for people with bipolar disorder. It levels out mood swings so that patients don't feel as high or as low and is used as an ongoing treatment. Symptoms may diminish after 14 days of treatment, but it might take a few months of medication to control the illness. Newer drugs developed for the disorder, used alone or in combination with lithium, are also prescribed.

4. Can bipolar disorder be cured?

   No. Treatment for the illness in considered lifelong. Ongoing maintenance and periodic consultation with a knowledgeable health care professional is typical.

5. What if I can't tolerate lithium?

   There are a number of other effective treatments. Your health care professional might prescribe several medications including both antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications. However, it may take several months to determine the proper medication, dosage and frequency.