Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is also called manic-depression. Its name derives from the characteristics of the disorder. The person suffering from bipolar syndrome goes through severe changes of mood and conduct. Mania is located at one extremity. It means that sufferers are agitated, impulsive, have trouble sleeping and often lack discernment. At the other extreme lies depression, causing sufferers to feel helpless, pessimistic, desperate. This often triggers suicidal thoughts.
Manic-depression can be diagnosed in adolescence or early years of adulthood. This usually constitutes a problem, because mood changes and irrational behavior are more or less natural for teenagers. Symptoms are often overlooked resulting in a worsening of the condition. Bipolar students are introverted and keep every aspect of their life to themselves, making it harder for parents to recognize symptoms of the disorder.

The educational activity of Bipolar students can be affected by this illness. They often show signs of lack of energy, aren’t able to focus, encounter trouble sleeping- they either sleep too much or don’t sleep at all- and dwell in constant sadness. Parents and teachers must closely monitor the mood of Bipolar students because they often have suicidal thoughts, as they enter depression.

At the other pole, Bipolar students can display unlimited energy and optimism. They are highly irritable, are physically agitated, show lack of concentation and suffer from insomnia. Bipolar students will talk very fast, quickly passing from one idea to the other, often without any connection whatsoever. These are clear signs of bipolar disorder that must alert parents and determine them to further investigate their children’s condition.

Bipolar students need constant supervision. Although it is impossible to cure bipolar disorder, it can be held under control with the aid of medication and therapy. For sufferers, family and friends will be of vital importance.