Lets take a look at the unique ways that bipolar disorder affects women.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disordersometimes referred to asmanic depressioncauses profound mood swings.
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Bipolar disorder can also cause a person to make irrational decisions and exhibit impetuous behavior.
The depressive phase of bipolar disorder puts a person at increased risk of suicide.
The precise causes of bipolar disorder are unknown and may vary from person to person.
Depressive episodes often dominate over manic episodes in women.
In fact, women with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed as having major depression.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
With treatment, there is hope for living a full and healthy life.
Not only that, but pregnancy and postpartum can exacerbate bipolar symptoms.
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Cleveland Clinic.Bipolar Disorder.