Description
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).
Men and women of all ages, races and economic levels can have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can also occur in children and teenagers.
A number of factors can put people at risk for bipolar disorder such as:
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, Depression causes the most problems. For others, maniac symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of Depression and of Mania or Hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode.
Signs and symptoms of manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder include:
Remember that Mental Disorders need to be diagnosed by a health care professional.