An epidemic is sweeping the nation, a crippling, perhaps lifelong, sometimes fatal condition known as juvenile bipolar disorder.
The term "bipolar disorder" refers to episodes of depression alternating with mania. The term mania is one that gets bandied about quite a bit in everyday parlance, often in a jocular fashion, so it is worth taking a moment to consider what clinicians mean by the term. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, defines a manic episode as a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity lasting at least one week. The disturbance must be sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or to have psychotic features.
