Overview
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by strong shifts in mood, energy, activity level, and concentration. These shifts are more intense than usual ups and downs and can interfere with daily life. Some people have mania, some have hypomania, and many also experience episodes of depression.
Key Symptoms
During mania or hypomania, a person may feel unusually energized, very confident, restless, less need for sleep, more talkative, easily distracted, or more likely to take risks. During depression, a person may feel very sad, hopeless, tired, slowed down, lose interest in usual activities, or have trouble concentrating. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may also experience irritability, agitation, or psychosis during severe episodes.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Bipolar disorder is thought to involve a mix of genetic factors, brain biology, life stress, and environmental influences. A family history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can raise the chance of developing it, but having a relative with the condition does not mean someone will definitely have it.
Who Is Affected
Bipolar disorder can affect people of any sex, background, or culture. It often begins in the teen years or early adulthood, but it can start earlier or later in life. Symptoms may look different across ages and settings, which can delay recognition and treatment.
Diagnosis and Tests
There is no single blood test or scan that diagnoses bipolar disorder. A qualified healthcare professional makes the diagnosis by asking about mood changes, sleep, energy, behavior, past episodes, family history, and how symptoms affect daily life. Medical evaluation may also be used to help rule out other conditions or substance-related causes that can look similar.
Treatment Categories
Treatment usually involves long-term mental health care. Common approaches include prescribed medicines, psychotherapy, education about the condition, and support for sleep routines, stress management, and daily functioning. Because symptoms can return, follow-up care and a plan for early warning signs are often important.
Living With It
Many people with bipolar disorder need ongoing support over time. Learning to notice early mood changes, keeping regular appointments, and involving trusted family or friends when appropriate can help with daily management. Stigma can make it harder to ask for help, but support from healthcare professionals and community resources can make a meaningful difference.
Diet and Lifestyle
Regular sleep and daily routines are often important because disrupted sleep can worsen mood symptoms. Limiting alcohol and avoiding non-prescribed drugs may help reduce triggers and confusion around symptoms. Gentle physical activity, social support, and stress-reduction habits may support overall wellbeing, but they do not replace professional treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you or someone you know has major mood changes, periods of unusually high energy or little sleep, depression that affects daily life, risky behavior, or trouble functioning at home, school, or work. It is also important to get help if symptoms seem to be getting worse, if treatment is not helping, or if there are signs of psychosis such as hearing or seeing things others do not.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency help right away if a person has suicidal thoughts, talks about wanting to die, cannot care for basic needs, becomes severely confused, is out of touch with reality, or is in immediate danger from risky behavior. If local emergency services are available, contact them right away. If you are in the United States or Canada, call or text 988 for crisis support; if you are elsewhere, contact local emergency or crisis services.