Television shows are suddenly very interested in people with Bipolar disorder with an emphasis on the inability of such people to function in the world or as serial rapists or crazed killers. How can people who have the disorder protect themselves from being labeled as criminally, mentally ill? The answer is to arm themselves with Bipolar mood disorder information and share it where appropriate.

It is true that people with Bipolar disorder have continual changes in energy, sleep and activity particularly before they are on the proper medications. But in spite of shifting states most people, even those who do not have their disorder under control with medication, are not likely to commit murder or be serial rapists.

• Those who take their medications regularly have a very good prognosis. There are a number of drug and therapy techniques used to treat people with Bipolar disorder.
• Treatments for Bipolar mood disorder include mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressants, Lamictal and otheranticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotics (hence the misinformation) like Seroquel and even Omega 3. Antipsychotics act one way with psychotics and a different way with people with Bipolar disorder.
• While medicine causes a reduction in symptoms or complete remission, it is important that the person with Bipolar disorder understand that he or she must continue taking the medications or there will be a relapse. While it is up to the individual to make the decision, there definitely will be a relapse without the medication. If a person stays on the medications, there is a good prognosis, a fact that television seems to forget.
• Some things within the control of the person can help or hurt the results, such as taking the medicine as directed, understanding the disorder, having a good relationship with medical personnel and good health practices, including exercise, nutrition and a regulated stress level.
• Other factors that keep the person well include noticing small changes in one's energy, mood, sleep and eating behaviors, as well as having a plan worked out with the doctor on how to manage these small changes before they become big ones. A person can keep a mood log to chart any changes that need to be discussed with the physician.
• Another way to prevent major problems is to enlist the help of a close friend or family member to keep an eye on a person's moods. This person can help detect mood changes or changes in activities or behaviors that can trigger a manic episode.

With the sudden interest in Bipolar disorder on television and its emphasis on the inability of people with bipolar disorder to function in the world, people who have this disorder need to learn all they can about their problem.

Places where information can be found include self-help books , articles on the internet and information from their health professional. Armed with information they can prevent family, coworkers, bosses and friends from television's misinformation.