AJR63

A Joint Resolution declaring April of each year as "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month."

Whereas, Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive illness, is a long-term brain illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood characterized by episodes of both mania and depression; a person with bipolar disorder may exhibit such symptoms as overly euphoric moods, poor judgment, aggressive behavior, irritability, feelings of hopelessness and difficulty concentrating; and

Whereas, For the approximately 2.3 million American adults affected by bipolar disorder in a given year, life is an emotional rollercoaster of intense highs and crippling lows affecting their ability to function from day-to-day; and

Whereas, Although studies concerning the incidence and effect of bipolar disorder in children are scarce, evidence suggests that children may be affected by a more debilitating form of bipolar disorder; and

Whereas, While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, early diagnosis and proper treatment offer the best chance for those with bipolar disorder, especially children, to achieve a stabilization in their moods and behaviors and lead full and productive lives; and

Whereas, Without proper treatment however, the natural course of bipolar disorder worsens leaving a person at increased risk for suicide, alcohol and substance abuse problems, problems at school or work, divorce and isolation; and

Whereas, Although early diagnosis and proper treatment are paramount in helping individuals with bipolar disorder lead full and productive lives, nearly 70 percent of people with bipolar disorder report that they have been misdiagnosed at some point; it is estimated that up to one-third of the 3.4 million children diagnosed with depression in the United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder; and

Whereas, If early diagnosis and proper treatment of bipolar disorder are to occur, especially among children, the public needs to develop an awareness and understanding of the disorder and its symptoms; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. April of each year is designated as "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey to foster an awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates April of each year as "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey to foster an awareness and understanding of the disorder. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults, or about 1.2 percent of the United States population age 18 and older, in a given year. It is not known how common bipolar disorder is in children. Although with early diagnosis and proper treatment individuals with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives, nearly 70 percent report that they have been misdiagnosed at some point during their illness. In addition, an estimated one-third of the 3.4 million children diagnosed with depression in the United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder.