Steve Asks... As a police officer diagnosed with bipolar illness two years ago, and due to a recent episode that resulted in hospitalization, I am currently on sick leave. I will be applying for disability with their blessing. The question is whether police work in general, and working nights for many years will be qualifying for a disability. I hope to find a less stressful career but after many years on the force, what, I don’t know. Anyone? Has anyone had the same diagnosis in a similar profession?

Syndicated from the Bipolar Blog Susan Asks... I believe that my sister is bipolar. She has all the symptoms. She is 36 and has two kids. I have tried talking with her about seeing a doctor but she seems to think she doesn’t need any help. I just worry about her, and I would love some advice on how to handle the situation without losing a sister.

Mom Asks... I attended a local NAMI conference 4 years ago where the guest speaker was the head of the school of medicine’s psychiatry department. He promised that within 5 years there would be truly effective medications and within 10 a cure for bipolar disorder. How close are we? I am so frustrated and angry with the pharmaceutical industry, the politics and funding that delay real research, but mostly by the chase for the almighty dollar. It seems that all of the recent medications are just tweaks of previous medications that allow new copyrights and obscene profits. What real difference is there between Haldol, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Geodon, Abilify and all the rest, other than the opportunity for the pharmaceuticals to make unconscionable profits? Where is research in the spirit of a Jonas Salk?

Since the launch of Bipolar Beat, our Ask a Question page has solicited questions about bipolar disorder from visitors. We thank all of you who have taken the time to post a question and apologize to those whose questions we have not yet answered.

Loved ones often wonder how long a manic episode can last if it remains untreated. Generally speaking, an episode can last several weeks to several months. A visitor to the Bipolar Blog posted a comment indicating that her husband was experiencing a manic episode that lasted eight months and was still ongoing.