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Bipolar disorder causes changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. A person with bipolar disorder typically experiences at least one episode of “high” mood, or mania, and a period of “low” mood, or depression.

Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic depression. It can severely affect a person’s daily life. The specific effects vary between individuals. With appropriate treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder live a full and productive life.

On average, symptoms begin around age 25 years but can appear during the teenage years or later in life. It affects all people, regardless of sex.

This article further explains what bipolar disorder is. It goes over the symptoms and types of the condition. Finally, it explains the diagnosis, treatment, and causes of bipolar disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), bipolar disorder affects around 2.8% of the U.S. population. It is a mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in a person’s concentration, mood, activity level, and energy.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes the main symptoms of bipolar disorder as alternating episodes of high and low mood.

Changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, ability to focus, and other symptoms can severely affect a person’s behavior, work, relationships, and other aspects of life.

Most people experience mood changes at some time, but those related to bipolar disorder are more intense than regular mood changes. Other symptoms can also occur. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience psychosis, which can include:

• delusions
• hallucinations
• paranoia

Between episodes, a person’s mood may be stable for months or years, especially if they are following a treatment plan.

Treatment helps many people with bipolar disorder work, study, and live a full and productive life. However, when treatment helps a person feel better, they may stop taking their medication. If this happens, symptoms can return.

Some aspects of bipolar disorder can make a person feel good. During an elevated mood, they may find they are more sociable, talkative, and creative.

However, an elevated mood is unlikely to last. Even if it does, it may be hard to sustain attention or follow through with plans.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

According to NAMI, bipolar disorder symptoms vary between individuals. For some people, an episode can last for several days or weeks. People with bipolar disorder also generally experience extended periods without symptoms.

Others may experience “highs” and “lows” simultaneously or in quick succession. When these mood episodes occur simultaneously, it is known as a mixed state. When they occur in quick succession, it is known as rapid cycling.

Mania or hypomania

Mania and hypomania are elevated moods. Mania is generally more intense than hypomania.

Symptoms can include:

• an increase in energy and activity
• a feeling of restlessness
• excessively good, euphoric, or “high” mood
• racing thoughts, talking quickly, or jumping from one thought to another
• severe irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• a feeling of needing less sleep than usual
• unrealistic beliefs in one’s own powers and abilities
• increased sex drive
• behaviors that may be harmful, aggressive, or dangerous
• denying that something may be wrong

Some people with bipolar disorder may spend a lot of money, use recreational drugs, consume alcohol, and participate in dangerous and inappropriate activities.

Depressive symptoms

During an episode of depression, a person may experience:

• sadness and anxiety
• changes in sleep patterns, such as:
  • difficulty falling asleep
  • waking up too early
  • sleeping too much
• restlessness or lethargy
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• talking slowly or finding it difficult to say anything
• forgetfulness
• a lack of interest in activities, even ones the person typically enjoys
• feeling unable to complete simple tasks
• feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Summary

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition. It involves changes in mood, energy levels, and attention, alongside other symptoms.

It can severely disrupt a person’s life, but treatment can drastically improve a person’s outlook and well-being.

Treatment may not eliminate mood changes entirely, but working closely with a healthcare professional can make symptoms more manageable and maximize quality of life.

Conclusion

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