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Bipolar disorder

Do you or someone in your life have bipolar disorder? The more you know about this condition, the better you can manage it or support someone you love. Learn about the condition, its symptoms and treatment options.

What is bipolar disorder?

What is bipolar disorder?

It's an illness that causes extreme changes to your mood. If you have the disorder, you may experience times of very high energy to times of depression. This also includes unusual shifts in your:
 

  • Energy

  • Activity levels

  • Concentration

  • Ability to complete daily tasks
     

These mood swings (also called “mood episodes”) may cause problems with your work, school, family life, relationships and how well you function.

 

What are the symptoms?

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms depend on your mood episodes where you’ll go through "highs" and "lows." Common symptoms include periods of:
 

  • Unusually intense emotion

  • Changes in sleep patterns and activity levels

  • Unusual behavior
     

You may often experience these things without knowing the likely harmful or negative effects.

During a high, or “manic episode,” you may experience feeling:
 

  • Very happy

  • Jumpy, wired or more active than usual

  • Very talkative about many different topics

  • Able to do many things at once without getting tired

  • Unusually important, talented or powerful

  • An extreme appetite for food, sex or other things you might enjoy

 

During a low, or “depressive episode,” you may experience feeling:
 

  • Very down, sad or anxious 

  • Unable to sleep normally

  • Unable to think clearly and make decisions

  • Unable to do simple tasks

  • Hopeless or worthless

  • Thoughts about death or suicide
     

These episodes are very different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for a person. During an episode, the symptoms last for most of the day. Episodes may also last for longer periods, such as several days or weeks.

It’s not clear what causes bipolar disorder. But experts believe many factors may be involved. It tends to run in families. You are at greater risk of having bipolar disorder if a close family member has it.

To find out if you have bipolar disorder, your doctor will ask:
 

  • How long your symptoms last and how often you have them

  • About your family’s history with mental health 

 

They may do a mental health screening. You may also have other tests to make sure another problem isn't causing your symptoms.

 

Your doctor may then refer you to a trained mental health care provider, such as a:
 

  • Psychiatrist

  • Psychologist

  • Clinical social worker

 

They’ll have experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

What are some treatment options?

What are some treatment options?

Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. A helpful treatment plan usually includes both medication and psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”). You may need to try several methods to find what works for you. 

 

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder are free of mood changes, but some people may have symptoms. Long-term, ongoing treatment can help people manage these symptoms.

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