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Shortcuts

• Bipolar disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Depression
• Distortions
• Endorphins
• Enteric
• Episodes
• First-line therapy
• Hypomania
• Mania
• Mood stabilizers
• Neurotransmitters
• Psychotherapy
• Reflux
• Social rhythms
• Sleep apnea
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Triggers
• Valproic acid
• Valproate

Bipolar Glossary

Bipolar disorder is a "mood disorder" characterized by periods of mania (excitability) that alternate with periods of depression.

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder that includes hypomania and dysthymia, a milder, chronic form of depression. Full blown manic episodes don't occur.

Depression is characterized by symptoms including a loss of energy, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, sadness and loss of interest in things that usually bring pleasure. Individuals may think often about death or committing suicide.

Distortions are a mental process that "distorts" interpersonal communication and perceptions. Distortion typically includes rationalization and denial. Psychotherapy seeks to alter negative perceptions.

Endorphins are one of the body's own painkillers –– chemicals the body produces to suppress pain. Physical activity can release endorphins.

Enteric coatings on a medication are designed to pass unchanged through the stomach and disintegrate in the small intestine.

Episodes are a period of illness, which in bipolar disorder can be manic, depressive or a mixed state.

First–line therapy is the first course of treatment used against a disease or condition. Valproic acid, the active ingredient found in STAVZOR, is a first–line therapy recommended by the American Psychiatric Association to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

Hypomania is a less extreme state of mania, characterized by a high mood, excitability and overactivity.

Mania is a mood state characterized by unusually "high" or hyperactive mental and physical activity. When these symptoms are present, it's called a manic episode.

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Mood stabilizers are medications that help reduce mood swings and prevent new ones from occurring.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that act as messengers to the brain's nerve cells.

Psychotherapy, also called "talk therapy" or just "therapy, is a general term for a variety of treatments provided by trained mental health counselors to treat mental illnesses.

Reflux is a flowing back (regurgitation) of stomach acid into the esophagus (the tube carrying food and liquids to the stomach).

Social rhythms are an individual's regular daily activities and interpersonal relationships. Maintaining a regular schedule of daily activities and stability in personal relationships can be beneficial to those with bipolar disorder.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This may occur many times a night.

Sturge–Weber syndrome is characterized by a port wine birthmark on one side of the face, seizures and sometimes affects the eyes.

Triggers are an event or situation that causes symptoms or an episode in individuals with certain diseases such as bipolar disorder.

Valproic acid is medication used to treat bipolar manic episodes and epileptic seizures. It is also used to help prevent migraine headaches. STAVZOR is a valproic acid medication.

Valproate. This is the active form of valproic acid after it has changed in the digestive tract.

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