Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar, is a serious mental health disorder that manifests as periods of intense mania or euphoria that alternate with episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder, which seriously affects a person's mood and interferes with a person's ability to function effectively in everyday life.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown but there may a genetic link to the disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder have a close relative with the disorder or with depression. Bipolar disorder is sometimes associated with an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, hormonal deficiencies, and genetic factors. In some cases bipolar disorder can be set off by certain conditions, such as sleep deprivation, hypothyroidism, and the use of antidepressant medications. Bipolar disorder occurs in equal numbers in both sexes.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe mood swings that also manifest in extremes in energy and functioning. Bipolar disorder includes periods of intense mania, in which a person's mood is extremely elevated, and there is a very high level of energy, alertness and excitability. Symptoms also include impulsivity, racing thoughts and rapid talking. Complications of this phase of bipolar disorder include the development of delirium or paranoia.
In bipolar disorder these periods of mania alternate with episodes of depression. Symptoms of depression include intense, overwhelming persistent feelings of sadness, despair, a low energy level, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and in extreme cases, suicide attempts.
Some people with bipolar disorder may experience a combination of symptoms of mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. In addition, some people with bipolar disorder can experience a rapid shifting from symptoms of mania to symptoms of depression. This is called rapid cycling. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of bipolar disorder.
There is no specific test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a complete physical examination and mental health exam. Assessment and tests are also performed to ensure that symptoms are not due to treatable medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, sleep deprivation, or the side effect of medications, such as antidepressants or thyroid medications. A referral to a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health provider is generally made to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
It is possible that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be missed or delayed because a person with the disorder may not seek care because of the stigma associated with mental illness. In addition, symptoms of bipolar disorder can be vague or associated with other conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis and conditions and diseases that can mimic bipolar disorder, refer to misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder.
There is no specific cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be treated. Treatment of bipolar disorder varies depending on its severity of the condition, and a person's medical history, age, and general health. Treatment generally includes a combination of medications and psychotherapy. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of bipolar disorder. ...more »
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, involves cycles of alternating mania and depressive symptoms. It is an under-diagnosed disorder with many cases misdiagnosed for years. Many cases of bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed as clinical depression because patients tend to seek treatment during the down phases, rather than the euphoric manic phases. Other possible misdiagnoses include anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. There are several subtypes of bipolar disorder, including the milder bipolar II disorder, that need to be carefully distinguished for accurate diagnosis. ...more »
The severity and types of symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person but generally affect mood, energy and functioning. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of intense mania or euphoria that alternates with episodes of depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can seriously interfere with a person's ability to function normally in relationships and activities of ...more symptoms »
The overall treatment goal for people living with bipolar disorder is to minimize mood swings and other symptoms so that they can live functional and productive lives. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and treatment generally needs to be life-long to most effectively control symptoms. The most effective treatment plans employ a multifaceted approach that includes medications and ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder may be missed or delayed because people with bipolar disorder may fear the stigma of or be embarrassed by mental illness and not seek treatment. In addition, a person with bipolar disorder may not recognize that they are having symptoms or that their behavior has become a serious threat to their health.
A diagnosis of bipolar ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 57 symptoms of Bipolar disorder
See full list of 31 treatments for Bipolar disorder
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Bipolar disorder misdiagosed as various conditions by primary physicians: Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder) often fails to be diagnosed correctly by primary care...read more »
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Read more about Misdiagnosis and Bipolar disorder
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Prognosis for Bipolar disorder: For many individuals with bipolar disorder a good prognosis results from good treatment, which, in turn, results from an accurate diagnosis. Because bipolar disorder can have a high rate of both under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis, it is often difficult for individuals with the condition to receive timely and competent treatment.
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The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.
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See full list of 305 Clinical Trials for Bipolar disorder
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There is a tendency to romanticize bipolar disorder. Many artists, musicians and writers have suffered from its mood swings. But in truth, many lives are ruined by this disease; and without effective treatment, the illness is associated with an increased risk of suicide. (Source: excerpt from Going to Extremes Bipolar Disorder: NIMH)
a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. (Source: excerpt from Bipolar Disorder: NIMH)
A major affective disorder marked by severe mood swings (manic or major depressive episodes) and a tendency to remission and recurrence. - (Source - Diseases Database)
A mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression - (Source - WordNet 2.1)
Ophanet, a consortium of European partners,
currently defines a condition rare when it affects 1 person per 2,000.
They list Bipolar disorder as a "rare disease".
Source - Orphanet
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