Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of elevated or irritable mood, energy, and activity levels (known as manic or hypomanic episodes) and periods of depressed mood and decreased energy (known as depressive episodes). These mood swings can be severe and can disrupt daily life.

Bipolar disorder typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also occur in children and older adults. It is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment. Without proper treatment, bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems such as substance abuse, relationship problems, and even suicide.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder: This type is characterized by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes also occur, but they are typically less severe and shorter in duration than manic episodes.

Bipolar II disorder: This type is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder are not present.

Cyclothymic disorder (also known as cyclothymia): This type is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressed mood, but the symptoms do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic episode or a depressive episode.

It is important to note that bipolar disorder is not the same as having mood swings or occasional ups and downs. Everyone has good days and bad days, but the mood swings in bipolar disorder are extreme and can significantly interfere with daily life.

So how do you know if you have bipolar disorder? The only way to definitively diagnose bipolar disorder is through a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. This will typically involve a physical examination, a review of your medical and family history, and a psychological evaluation. The mental health professional may also use certain tools, such as rating scales, to assess your symptoms.

There are some common symptoms of bipolar disorder to be aware of. During a manic episode, you may:

Feel extremely happy, energetic, and restless
Feel very irritable or agitated
Have a decreased need for sleep
Talk excessively and rapidly
Have racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating
Engage in risky or impulsive behaviors (such as spending sprees, reckless driving, or engaging in unsafe sex)
During a depressive episode, you may:

Feel sad, hopeless, and empty
Lose interest in activities you normally enjoy
Have difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Feel tired and have a lack of energy
Have changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Experience feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Have thoughts of death or suicide
If you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition and the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be. Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproic acid, and atypical antipsychotics. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), can also be helpful in managing the condition.

If you are concerned about your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You can talk to your primary care doctor, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend or family