Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder affecting moods.  Once referred to as "manic depression," bipolar disorder manifests itself in episodes of mania.  The term mania is used to describe abnormally elevated moods.  Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymiaare the three divisions of bipolar disorder.  Each one represents a different severity of mood elevations.

Mood elevations are present at both ends of the spectrum.  When someone suffers from bipolar disorder, he or she often suffers from one extreme depression and extremely elevated moods for short periods of time.  Bipolar disorder can often resemble depression.  Although there is no easy way to diagnose bipolar such as a blood tests, the disorder is becoming more understood in the psychiatric industry.  Bipolar is distinguished from depression by the presence of periods of elevated moods.

Bipolar disorder can affect any race, gender, age, or ethnicity.  However, the symptoms usually present themselves in early adulthood.  The following is a list of symptoms of a severe manic phase:

• Extreme elevated mood such as low attention span, increase in energy, increased sexual drive, euphoria, or thoughts described as "racing," resulting in increased speed of speech
• Loneliness
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Anxiety
• Loss of Appetite
• Guilt
• Anger
• Difficulty with Sleeping

Those individuals that suffer from bipolar disorder may not be able to continue working.  Furthermore, you may be surprised to learn that bipolar disorder is covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a monetary benefit administered to those who can no longer work due to a disability.  However, disability does not refer to only physical disabilities.  Severe changes in mood associated with bipolar disorder do affect the ability to maintain focus and perform basic job duties.  SSDI or SSI are administered by a federal agency in order to assist those who cannot perform those basic job functions.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and can no longer work, let Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis help you to learn more about SSDI or SSI benefits.  Call experienced disability lawyer Scott Lewis today at (317) 423-8888.