Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is an illness that causes changes in an individual's mood, energy and functional ability. People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme mood shifts, from feeling "high" or irritable (mania) to intense sadness or hopelessness and then back again with periods of normalcy in between. These mood swings can affect relationships, work or school performance, and even lead to suicide. Bipolar disorder is treatable and bipolar individuals can lead productive lives.

Symptoms of manic depression may include:

• Feelings of increased energy or irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking fast, going from one subject to another
• Spending sprees
• Engaging in risky sexual activity
• Distractabilty and inability to concentrate
• Decreased need for sleep
• Grandiosity (feelings that one is more famous, powerful or intelligent than one really is)

Cedars-Sinai's Psychiatry Research program is currently conducting clinical trials dealing with bipolar disorder and its symptoms. Qualified clinical trial participants will receive study medication, physical exams and laboratory tests at no cost.

To find out more about the clinical trials on bipolar disorder or to enroll, please contact us at: