Understanding bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can lead to mood swings consisting of highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It was previously known as manic depression. A person's symptoms, and how those symptoms feel to them, can vary considerably from one person to the next.
People often seek help during a depressive episode, because that's the part that hurts. The elevated episodes can feel productive rather than concerning at the time — which is why a careful history matters so much for getting the diagnosis right.
Symptoms of a depressive episode
- Low or empty mood, hopelessness
- Loss of interest and pleasure
- Fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Symptoms of mania or hypomania
- Elevated, expansive or unusually irritable mood
- Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts or rapid speech
- Increase in goal-directed activity or new projects
- Impulsive decisions — spending, driving, risk-taking
- Inflated confidence or grandiosity
How bipolar disorder is treated
Bipolar disorder is typically a long-term condition managed with ongoing psychiatric care. Treatment often centers on medication, with therapy and routine-building playing important supporting roles. Consistency matters — including consistency of sleep.
Because antidepressants alone can sometimes destabilize mood in bipolar disorder, an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment is important. That's a large part of what the initial evaluation is for.
This page is general information, not medical advice. It cannot diagnose you and is not a substitute for an evaluation. Conditions treated may vary by clinician and service.
