Bipolar News

February 2, 2005

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Childhood abuse common with bipolar sufferers
Independent Online - South Africa
London - Nearly half of patients suffering from manic depression, or bipolar disorder, may have been abused as children, scientists say in a new report. ...

Sleep problems can be symptom of mental illness.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service); 1/31/2005

Byline: Jan Jarvis

Sleep disturbance is among the most common problems associated with mental illness, yet it often goes unrecognized as a symptom, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

To help the public learn more about sleep problems, the DBSA is launching a new Web site: www.sleeplessindallas.org. It offers tips on how to combat sleeplessness and determine when it might be symptomatic of a psychological illness. A sleep kit is available for download and by calling the DBSA at (800) 826-3632.

There is a link between sleep problems and mental illness, said Dr. Ellen Frank, professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Yet many people fail to recognize lack of sleep as a symptom of mental illness, which could lead to delayed treatment.

Someone who is experiencing racing thoughts, restlessness and irritability along with intense sadness or mood swings for more than two weeks, should seek medical attention.

(c) 2005, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Visit the Star-Telegram on the World Wide Web: www.star-telegram.com.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

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