Reports are circulating that Alpizar may have suffered from the disorder, also known as manic depression. According to researchers he's one of many Americans who suffer from the debilitating disease.
According to a recent U.S. Surgeon General's report, bipolar disorder is a top reason for disability in the United States, with 2.7 million Americans suffering from it or 1% of the population.
The University of Michigan Depression Center says the disorder is characterized by extreme variations in mood, from mania, euphoria and irritability to depression. Alterations in mood are commonly referred to as "mood swings" and can occur suddenly, prompting the start of manic or depressive "episodes."
These manic episodes can be especially distressing because they are often associated with high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, immoderate spending, violent behavior, and disregard for danger, although violent action during manic episodes tends to be self-inflicted or suicidal.
The disease can be successfully treated with medications that can prevent episodes of depression or mania. These "mood stabilizing" medications include lithium and anticonvulsant medications.
Researchers have discovered, "Talk therapy" alone has not been shown to work in bipolar disorder but shows promise when combined with regular medication use.
Research shows bipolar disorder may run in families and involves abnormalities in brain biochemistry and in the structure and/or activity of certain brain circuits. However, the causes of those abnormalities are still being investigated through studies involving brain scanning and other techniques.
