Some helpful suggestions Bipolar disorder is a mental illness, also called manic depression, that may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. While medication can help control bipolar disorder, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these additional recommendations.

Study finds 44% still suffer bouts of mania, depression as young adults. A new study strongly suggests that many children with bipolar disorder continue to have bouts with the condition as young adults.

Study found missing section protected against psychiatric illness New research suggests that a missing section of DNA in a certain gene may hold the key to whether a person does or does not develop bipolar disorder.

Cultural differences, regulatory practices may explain difference, researchers say. American children are three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications for conditions such as ADHD and bipolar disease than European children are, a new study finds.

Offspring of men 55 and older were 1.37 times more likely to be diagnosed, study finds. That's the conclusion of a new study by Swedish researchers who compared 13,428 people with bipolar disorder to more than 67,000 people without the condition.

The first generic versions of Depakote (divalproex sodium) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat epileptic seizures, migraine headaches and bipolar disorder, the agency said Tuesday. Eight firms were granted license to produce generic versions of the brand-name drug made by Abbott Laboratories.