Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy levels, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves periods of severe mood episodes, including manic episodes that last at least seven days or manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes typically occur as well, lasting at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: In this type, a person experiences both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania) but never a full-blown manic episode.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): This type involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).
- Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: This category includes bipolar disorder symptoms that don’t fit the three categories mentioned above but still cause significant distress or impairment.
Bipolar disorder can vary in severity and how it manifests in different individuals. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. It often first appears in late adolescence or early adulthood but can also affect children and older adults.
Treatment typically involves a combination of medication (such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants), psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy), and lifestyle changes (such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, and avoiding alcohol and drugs). With proper treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.