It's common for everyone to feel a little down every now and then. It's not unusual to be overly elated occasionally. However, some people suffer from extreme feelings of high and low and need help to manage these major "ups and downs."

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a psychiatric condition that causes drastic shifts in a person's mood, energy level, and ability to function. The symptoms are severe, but bipolar disorder can be treated, and people diagnosed with the disorder can lead rich, productive lives.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than two million Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This long-term illness may go undetected for years before it is diagnosed and treated.

There is no known single cause for bipolar disorder, but heredity seems to be a large risk factor. Research findings suggest that bipolar disorder does not occur because of one gene, but rather many genes acting together and with other combinations of the person's environment.

Carolyn Turvey, assistant professor in the UI Department of Psychiatry, UI Department of Psychiatry said the disorder doesn't target one specific population.

"The main theory today is that bipolar disorder is a genetic disorder," Turvey said. "People with a family member who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be more likely to develop the disorder."

Most people with bipolar disorder can manage the disorder with long-term treatment. which includes medications usually prescribed by a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is also a form of treatment, but is mainly used to help manage the disorder. Medications known as "mood stabilizers," the most common being Lithium, are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder. There are many different types of mood stabilizing medications today, and when used for extended periods of time, can produce positive results.

UI Hospitals and Clinics is part of a national NIMH-sponsored study to identify genes that predispose individuals to develop bipolar disorder. This study may ultimately lead to earlier detection and improved treatment for this disorder. Individuals who have bipolar disorder and who also have a brother or sister with this condition are invited to participate in this study. For more information about this study, call 888-850-8531.

Variety of symptoms

People living with bipolar disorder experience a variety of symptoms, the most prevalent being drastic mood swings. This includes extreme episodes of mania and depression. The NIMH classifies symptoms of mania as:

• Increased energy
• Excessively "high" euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts
• Lack of concentration
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs

Symptoms of depression include:

• A lasting sad mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or helplessness
• Decreased energy
• Change in appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of death or suicide

In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, Turvey said that symptoms of mania must last for a week and symptoms of depression must last for two weeks.

Suicidal thoughts are common among people with bipolar disorder. Signs and symptoms to look for that may accompany suicidal feelings include:

• Talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Feeling like a burden to family and friends
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Writing a suicide note
• Putting oneself in harm's way

If you or someone you know fits many of these criteria, call a doctor or 911 immediately. It is important to understand that these feelings are symptoms of the disorder and, with treatment, can be overcome.