1) "Bipolar disorder" means having a split personality.

False. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, causes mood swings. People with bipolar disorder usually go back and forth between phases of mania -- or high energy -- and phases of depression -- or extreme sadness.

2) People with bipolar disorder can be psychotic.

True. People with bipolar disorder may sometimes see things (hallucinations), or hear voices, or think things that are not true (delusional thoughts).

3) Bipolar disorder is uncommon.

False. Bipolar disorder is actually common. Around one in 100 adults has bipolar disorder.

4) Bipolar disorder is treatable.

True. There are many medicines that can help a person with bipolar disorder. Some of the most common are lithium and Tegretol.

5) Medications for bipolar disorder have side-effects.

True. People taking medicine for bipolar disorder may have problems with trembling or with their memory. Many people using lithium also say that it makes them feel less creative.

6) People with bipolar disorder are dangerous.

False. People with bipolar disorder may show poor judgement sometimes. They may also want to hurt themselves or even kill themselves when they are depressed. But a person with bipolar disorder is no more likely to hurt you than a healthy person.

7) Bipolar disorder usually starts in early childhood.

False. Bipolar disorder usually starts in the late teen years for men and in the early twenties for women. It is unusual in children.

8) People with bipolar disorder are not intelligent.

False. Anyone, no matter how smart they are, can have bipolar disorder. Some doctors even think that very smart and very creative people are more likely to get bipolar disorder.

9) Bipolar disorder runs in families.

True. Someone's chances of getting bipolar disorder are higher if there are other people in the family with the illness.

10) Therapy helps people with bipolar disorder.

True. Doctors usually suggest that people with bipolar disorder take medicine and also see a therapist.