Relapse is a common and important concern of the patient with bipolar disorder. A relapse is the return of depression or a manic or hypomanic episode after a period of wellness. A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that 73 percent of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder experienced at least one relapse during [...]

A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry says that using marijuana, or cannabis, may cause psychosis to develop sooner in patients already predisposed to developing the condition. In other patients it may even cause psychosis. The study was led by Australian researchers, who analyzed data from 83 studies involving more than 20,000 [...]

Multiple studies show that the link between extensive media exposure as an preteen or teenager leads to a significant increase of risky behaviors in adolescence and into young adulthood. These behaviors include drug and alcohol use, unsafe sex, smoking, aggressive/dangerous driving, street racing, gambling, physical confrontations and possibly arrest. One study, lead by Valerie Carson [...]

Often those with mental illness are uncertain of the best way to address their needs with loved ones. You can help facilitate this important conversation by doing the following: Set aside time for conversation in a location that is quiet and free from distractions. Preface your comments with statements such as, “Tell me what you [...]

Those with a loved one suffering from bipolar disorder may have experienced many episodes of anger, sometimes uncontrollable anger, directed toward them. It may seem unreasonable and unprovoked. Did you know that often a bipolar person may be using anger to cloak his or her real emotions? Anger may be a coping mechanism that helps [...]