Tormented Minds

NICOLE has had bouts of dark moods since she was 14 years old. At age 16, however, she began to experience something new​—a curious state of euphoria and unusually high energy. Racing thoughts, fragmented speech, and a lack of sleep were accompanied by an unfounded suspicion that her friends were taking advantage of her. Next, Nicole claimed that she could change the color of objects at will. At this point Nicole’s mother realized that medical help was needed, so she took Nicole to the hospital. After closely monitoring Nicole’s shifting moods, doctors finally reached a diagnosis: Nicole was suffering from bipolar disorder.a

Like Nicole, millions of people worldwide are afflicted with a mood disorder​—either bipolar disorder or some form of clinical depression. The effects of these ailments can be devastating. “For many years I was in pain,” says a bipolar patient named Steven. “I experienced terrible lows and then euphoric highs. Therapy and medication helped, but it was still a struggle.”

What causes mood disorders? What is it like to be afflicted with depression or bipolar disorder? How can sufferers​—and their caregivers—​be provided with the support that they need?

[Footnote]

In recent years bipolar disorder has received greater public attention. Traits of this illness include severe mood swings that vacillate between depression and mania. “During the depressed phase,” says a recent book published by the American Medical Association, “you may be haunted by thoughts of suicide. During the manic phase of your illness, your good judgment may evaporate and you may not be able to see the harm of your actions.”

Bipolar disorder may affect 2 percent of the population in the United States, meaning that there are millions of sufferers in that country alone. Sheer numbers, though, cannot describe the tormenting experience of living with a mood disorder.