The depressive phase is a pain, impairs functionality and is definitely not useful. Generally, in bipolar I, the manic phase also impairs functionality; ie is not useful. However bipolar II replaces mania with hypomania, which is correlated with high functionality and increased creativity. For those who need flair and imagination, bipolar II can indeed be useful during the hypomanic phase although the depressive phase is still the same hell as ever.
A psychiatrist is the physician who diagnosis and treats mental disorders like bipolar disorder. Other health care professionals who are not physicians also provide care for patients with bipolar disorder.
A psychiatrist. Dr Eden Fazel is a world renowned expert in Bipolar disorder. Tons of useful information on his website: bipolar specialist info.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is generally caused by genetics.
The site http://www.helpguide.org has lots of useful information. I would also suggest you convince him to schedule an appointment with his doctor for an evaluation and treatment options if needed. Bipolar disorder can be dangerous and should not be ignored.
The correct term is bipolar disorder. Some people call it a disease though.
a disorder
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/bipolar/2009/01/bipolar-disorder-qa-how-close-are-we-to-a-bipolar-cure/
Yes, stress makes Bipolar Disorder behavior worse. My daughter is Bipolar.
It's not known to be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
They may be used in conjunction with mood stabilizing medication, which are used for bipolar disorder, but they are not used alone as a solution to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder, not otherwise specified. It means a form of Bipolar Disorder that doesn't really fit the other diagnostic categories.