What is Bipolar Disorder?
Also called: Manic-depressive illness.
Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive illness. People with bipolar disorder experience dramatic mood swings. Sometimes they feel very happy and "up," and are much more active than usual. This is called mania. And sometimes people with bipolar disorder feel very sad and "down," and are much less active. This is called depression. Bipolar disorder can also cause changes in energy and behavior.
Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs everyone goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. They can damage relationships and make it hard to go to school or keep a job. They can also be dangerous. Some people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.
Bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but children and adults can have bipolar disorder too. The illness usually lasts a lifetime.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar mood changes are called “mood episodes.” People may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two-sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with extreme changes in behavior and energy levels.
People having a manic episode may:
- Feel very “up” or “high”
- Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
- Talk really fast about a lot of different things
- Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
- Have trouble relaxing or sleeping
- Think they can do a lot of things at once and are more active than usual
- Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex
People having a depressive episode may:
- Feel very “down” or sad
- Feel worried and empty
- Have trouble concentrating
- Forget things a lot
- Lose interest in fun activities and become less active
- Feel tired or “slowed down”
- Have trouble sleeping
- Think about death or suicide
Read more about bipolar disorder >>
Can bipolar disorder coexist with other problems?
Yes. Sometimes people having very strong mood episodes may have psychotic symptoms. These are strong symptoms that cause hallucinations (when people believe things that are not real). People with mania and psychotic symptoms may believe they are rich and famous, or have special powers. People with depression and psychotic symptoms may believe they have committed a crime or that their lives are ruined.
Sometimes behavior problems go along with mood episodes. A person may drink too much or take drugs. Some people take a lot of risks, like spending too much money or having reckless sex. These problems can damage lives and hurt relationships. Some people with bipolar disorder have trouble keeping a job or doing well in school.
Is there help?
People with bipolar disorder can get treatment. With help, they can get better and lead successful lives. The most common treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Information provided by the National Institutes of Health