What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Do you experience periods where you feel unusually “high” (extremely happy, social, or even irritable) and then swing to deep “lows” (feeling more sad or anxious than usual)? During these high phases, do you have excessive energy, need less sleep, and feel hyperactive, while during low phases, you lack energy, feel hopeless, and may even have suicidal thoughts? If these mood swings disrupt your daily life, you may have bipolar disorder (BD)—a lifelong but treatable mental health condition.
Understanding BD
BD is a mental health condition that can be chronic (persistent over time) or episodic (occurring irregularly). It was previously called manic-depressive illness or manic depression.
While everyone experiences emotional highs and lows, bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings that can severely impact daily functioning. These swings include:
- Manic episodes – periods of heightened mood, energy, and activity, often accompanied by risky behaviors.
- Depressive episodes – deep sadness, apathy, hopelessness, and low energy levels.
- Hypomanic episodes – a milder form of mania that does not significantly impair daily life.
Bipolar disorder often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also appear in children. While symptoms may come and go, lifelong treatment is usually necessary. Without proper management, bipolar disorder can contribute to suicidal thoughts, job loss, relationship conflicts, and family distress. However, effective treatment can improve stability and quality of life.
How Common Is Bipolar Disorder?
BD occurs worldwide, affecting people regardless of culture, race, or technological advancement. It is not exclusive to industrialized societies or a result of modern-day stress.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are three primary types, with some experts recognizing a fourth:
- Bipolar I Disorder – Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization due to severity. Depressive episodes usually follow and last at least two weeks. Some cases involve mixed mood episodes (mania and depression co-occurring). If a person experiences four or more episodes in a year, it is classified as rapid cycling.
- Bipolar II Disorder – This is marked by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) – A pattern of milder hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for full manic or depressive episodes.
- Schizoaffective BD – Some specialists include this as a fourth type, characterized by bipolar symptoms combined with schizophrenia-like features.
The classification of BD subtypes helps mental health professionals diagnose, treat, and predict outcomes for individuals with similar symptoms.
Learn More
To explore innovative treatment options, check out our article on stem cells in bipolar disorder.
