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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with Bipolar Disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood). People with Bipolar Disorder generally have periods of neutral mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar Disorder commonly runs in families: 80 to 90 percent of individuals with Bipolar Disorder have a relative with Bipolar Disorder or depression. Environmental factors such as child abuse, stress, sleep disruption, and drugs and alcohol may trigger mood episodes in vulnerable people. Though the specific causes of Bipolar Disorder within the brain are unclear, an imbalance of brain chemicals is believed to lead to dysregulated brain activity. The average age of onset is 25 years old


What are the types of Bipolar Disorder?

There are several types of Bipolar Disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. The types of Bipolar Disorder can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.

Bipolar I disorder. 

You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).

Bipolar II disorder. 

You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode.

Cyclothymic disorder.

 You've had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).

Other types.

These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

Although Bipolar Disorder can occur at any age, typically it's diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary. But they involve mood swings known as mood episodes:

The symptoms of a manic episode can include

  1. Feeling very up, high, or elated
  2. Feeling jumpy or wired, more active than usual
  3. Having a very short temper or seeming extremely irritable
  4. Having racing thoughts and talking very fast
  5. Needing less sleep
  6. Feeling like you are unusually important, talented, or powerful
  7. Do risky things that show poor judgment, such as eating and drinking too much, spending or giving away a lot of money, or having reckless sex

The symptoms of a depressive episode can include

  1. Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless
  2. Feeling lonely or isolating yourself from others
  3. Talking very slowly, feeling like you have nothing to say, or forgetting a lot
  4. Having little energy
  5. Sleeping too much
  6. Eating too much or too little
  7. Lack of interest in your usual activities and being unable to do even simple things
  8. Thinking about death or suicide

The symptoms of a mixed episode include both manic and depressive symptoms together. For example, you may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feeling extremely energized.

Some people with bipolar disorder may have milder symptoms. For example, you may have hypomania instead of mania. With hypomania, you may feel very good and find that you can get a lot done. You may not feel like anything is wrong. But your family and friends may notice your mood swings and changes in activity levels. They may realize that your behavior is unusual for you. After hypomania, you might have severe depression.

Your mood episodes may last a week or two or sometimes longer. During an episode, symptoms usually occur every day for most of the day.

What should I do now?

If you want to pursue medication or therapy for bipolar disorder, you can always bring this up with a primary care doctor. They may be able to refer you to a specialist who can help.

You can also search for a mental health professional who specializes in helping people manage bipolar disorder. If you plan on using insurance, you’ll want to make sure they accept your plan. There’s no secret formula to managing bipolar disorder. Instead, many treatment paths depend on your goals. Whether you want to manage symptoms, learn coping skills, gain a sense of relief, or improve your relationships, there’s plenty of hope ahead.


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