Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a group of mental disorders that cause extreme mood fluctuations, from abnormally elevated highs known as mania or hypomania episodes to emotional lows known as depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings; it is a recurrent, and sometimes severe, disruption of normal moods that undermines a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, work, and make sound judgments.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on behavioral criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5-TR), a tool that mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions.

Treatment of bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy (medication), and procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for people with severe and persistent manic or depressive episodes.

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This video has been medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is defined by its episodic nature—people with this condition will often experience intermittent periods of mania or hypomania and depression, potentially with an absence of symptoms in between. These distinct periods are called mood episodes. Mood episodes differ greatly from typical moods and behaviors. There is no set pattern of episodes. Duration and severity of each episode also vary from one person to another. 

How Common Is Bipolar Disorder?

At some point during their lifetime, 2.4% of people worldwide and 4.4% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. While the cause of bipolar disorder is unclear, having a first-degree relative with the condition is a recognized risk factor. Most people with a relative with bipolar disorder will not develop the condition, however.

The different types of mood episodes experienced by people with bipolar disorder include:

  • Manic episodes are defined by distinct periods of abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable mood lasting for at least one week. Manic episodes can cause marked social or occupational impairments when they are severe. The average age for people with bipolar disorder to experience their first manic episode is 18, but a first manic episode can happen anytime from early childhood to late adulthoodHypomanic episodes are also defined by distinct periods of abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable moods, but hypomanic episodes last for at least four consecutive days and present at most hours of the day nearly every day. Hypo means “under,” and it is used in hypomania because this mood state is under, or less manic, than mania. Unlike mania, these episodes are not severe enough to lead to hospitalization or significantly impair social or occupational functioningMajor depressive episodes are periods of emotional and energy lows that persist for at least two weeks. Typical symptoms include a mix of intense and severe feelings of despair, hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness or guilt; appetite changes, sleep disturbances, agitated behaviors, including pacing or hand wringing; frequent thoughts of death or suicide; and difficulties in making decisions and concentratingMixed episodes (or mixed affective states) are periods where mania and depression occur at the same time. For example, someone may experience the extreme agitation and restlessness associated with mania and the suicidal thinking more attributed to depression at the same time during a mixed episode

The frequency, duration, and kind of episodes are what defines the type of bipolar disorder that a person has. There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.

What Is a Mood Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. People with a mood disorder can experience long periods of extreme happiness, sadness, or both. Mood disorders can cause changes in behavior and affect a person’s ability to function in daily life, such as at work or school. Major depressive disorder is another common mood disorder.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is characterized as having had at least one manic episode that lasted at least seven days or was so severe that hospitalization was required. Depressive episodes may also occur in bipolar I disorder, but they are not necessary for the diagnosis of the condition. Periods of normal moods often occur between manic and depressive states. 

Bipolar II Disorder

In bipolar II disorder, depressive episodes shift back and forth with hypomanic episodes, but a full manic episode that is typical of bipolar I disorder never occurs. While hypomania is less severe than mania, it can still prevent people from functioning well in their daily life.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a rare condition characterized by a chronically unstable mood state. People with this disorder have cyclical bouts of depression and hypomania with less severe symptoms than bipolar I and bipolar II. They may feel fine and stable between the highs and lows. Cyclothymia may, however, still affect a person’s ability to function in their daily life.

Cyclothymia has been reported to occur at rates from 0.4% to 1% in the general population, although researchers think it is often under- or misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder.

Symptoms

Manic and Hypomanic Episodes

Manic and hypomanic episodes share largely the same symptoms, even though they differ in severity. The symptoms include: 

  • Exaggerated self-esteem or grandiosity (feeling unusually important, powerful, or talented)Decreased need for sleepTalking more than usual, and talking loudly and quicklyEasily distractedDoing many activities at once, scheduling more events in a day than can be accomplishedRisky behavior (e.g., eating and drinking excessively, spending and giving away a lot of money)Uncontrollable racing thoughts or quickly changing ideas or topics

Major Depressive Episodes

A depressive episode is a period during which a person experiences at least five of the following symptoms (including one of the first two):

  • Intense sadness or despair, including feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessnessLoss of interest in activities once enjoyedFeeling worthless or guiltySleep problems, sleeping too little or too muchFeeling restless or agitated, or having slowed speech or movementsIncrease or decrease in appetiteLoss of energy, fatigueDifficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisionsFrequent thoughts of death or suicide

The severity, duration, and disabling nature of depressive episodes vary from episode to episode and from person to person. Researchers say some people have only one or two episodes during their lifetimes, many have frequent recurrences, and still others will experience less severe but chronic depressive symptoms.

Catatonia and Psychosis

Catatonia (inability to move normally) and psychosis (occurrence of hallucinations or delusions) are also potential symptoms of bipolar disorder. Catatonia has been reported in more than 10% of patients with acute psychiatric illnesses.

Symptoms in Children and Teens

The National Institute of Mental Health says symptoms of bipolar disorder may present differently in children and teens. For example, adolescents experiencing mania may show intense happiness or silliness for long periods of time; have trouble sleeping and not feel tired; or have a very short temper. During a depressive episode, children and teens may experience stomach aches, headaches, prolonged sleeping hours, appetite changes, little energy and interest in activities, and unprovoked sadness.

Psychosis is a common feature, with more than half of people with bipolar disorder experiencing at least one symptom of psychosis over the course of their illness.

Bipolar disorder commonly occurs alongside other psychiatric conditions, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. These conditions include obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, substance abuse disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Anxiety disorders are especially common in people with bipolar disorder.

Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, can also mimic the mood swings and other symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis 

Like many other mental health conditions, there are no lab or imaging tests for diagnosing bipolar disorder. A mental health professional will use the latest criteria in the DSM-5-TR to make a formal diagnosis. The person will be asked about symptoms based on self-observations and those made by coworkers, friends, and family members. Each type of bipolar disorder has its own specific set of diagnostic criteria.

If you are concerned about someone’s behavior or feel they are a potential danger to themselves or others, intervene by contacting their doctor. In the case of an emergency, dial 911 and contact the police. 

Two criteria must be met for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, according to the DSM-5-TR:

  • Had at least one manic episode, which may have been preceded by and may be followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodesThe occurrence of the manic and major depressive episode(s) is not better explained by schizoaffective disorder or other psychotic disorders

Major depressive and hypomanic episodes may occur, but are not required for the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. Clinicians will also specify notable features of the person’s experience of bipolar disorder, including:

  • Anxious distressMixed featuresRapid cyclingMelancholic featuresAtypical featuresMood-congruent psychotic featuresMood-incongruent psychotic featuresCatatoniaPeripartum onsetSeasonal pattern

Bipolar II Disorder

Diagnosis of bipolar II disorder is based on whether someone meets the following four criteria as defined by the DSM-5:

  • Had at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episodeHas never had a manic episodeThe occurrence of the hypomanic episode(s) and major depressive episode(s) is not better explained by schizoaffective disorder and other psychotic disordersThe symptoms of depression or the unpredictability caused by frequent alternation between periods of depression and hypomania causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

The doctor will specify if the current or most recent episode was hypomanic or depressive. They will also note:

  • Anxious distressMixed featuresCatatoniaMood-congruent psychotic featuresMood-incongruent psychotic featuresPeripartum onsetSeasonal pattern (applies only to the pattern of major depressive episodes)Rapid cycling

Cyclothymia 

The diagnostic criteria for cyclothymia listed in the DSM-5 include:

  • Have had many periods of hypomania and periods of depression for at least two years, or one year in children and adolescentsStable moods should last for less than two months at a timeSymptoms do not meet the criteria for bipolar disorder or another mental health conditionSymptoms are not caused by another medical condition or by substance misuseSymptoms significantly affect day-to-day life

Causes

The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown. Researchers have, however, identified several genes and environmental triggers that play a role in one’s susceptibility to developing bipolar disorder. A study suggests that biologic pathways that include hormonal regulation, calcium channels, second messenger systems, and glutamate signaling may be involved.

Clinicians may also perform tests to rule out other causes of mood swings, which can be the result of physical illness rather than mental illness, including hypothyroidism, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and substance-induced mood disorders, including alcoholism.

Experts believe that people with bipolar disorder have an underlying problem in their brain circuitry (how nerve signals are transmitted) and the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that deliver the nerve signals). Three main neurotransmitters associated with bipolar disorder are serotonin (associated with mood and anxiety regulation), dopamine (involved with motivation and reward), and norepinephrine (released in the fight-or-flight response). 

Genetics

Bipolar disorder is highly hereditary, and family history is a strong risk factor. Twin studies have found that 31% to 90% of identical twins will both have bipolar disorder. Because identical twins share 100% of their DNA, the fact that the numbers vary so greatly suggests that environmental factors also play a role and that carrying genes associated with bipolar disorder does not necessarily mean someone will develop this condition.

Environmental Factors 

Psychosocial factors can trigger and worsen depressive or manic symptoms in people with a predisposition for bipolar disorder. Lack of social support, family dysfunction, and negative life events influence or predict the course of bipolar disorder. Early childhood trauma and abuse are associated with a more severe illness course.

A person with chronic mental health conditions like bipolar disorder should work with their doctor to identify triggers and individual patterns of relapse and recurrence.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition and requires long-term management. Appropriate treatment options vary from person to person depending on the severity of symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy uses a variety of techniques to better equip someone with bipolar disorder with the skills and coping mechanisms necessary to recognize and better manage their illness. 

Common types of therapy used to treat bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is commonly paired with other treatment options like medications and procedures in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Medication 

Drug therapies are considered key to treating bipolar disorder. Typical medications for bipolar disorder may include antidepressants, mood stabilizers (anticonvulsants, lithium), atypical antipsychotics, and other agents.

Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used for treating depression in bipolar illness, but are often avoided or used with caution as they can potentially trigger mania or worsen mood cycling. Mood stabilizers are used to manage mania and can reduce suicide risk. Targeted medications for symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbances may also be prescribed, such as Valium, Xanax, or Igalmi.

Side effects vary by medication, with weight gain, metabolic dysregulation, sedation, and akathisia (restlessness) being the most common. People who take certain bipolar medications may also experience diarrhea and nausea, and have a higher risk of hormonal and metabolic issues.

Procedures

If psychotherapy and medications fall short of alleviating symptoms, procedures may be recommended, including:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a brain procedure for treatment-resistant cases or in cases where a rapid response is required. ECT is one of the most effective treatments for refractory mood disorders. One study has found ECT to be an effective and safe treatment for drug-resistant bipolar disorder, showing improvement in approximately two-thirds of participants.Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a newer, noninvasive therapy that utilizes the power of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells associated with depression. There are studies that show it is effective in certain cases of depression. It doesn’t come with the risks and side effects of ECT, but does not tend to be not as successful.Ketamine infusion therapy has gained interest over the past decade for treating depression, including bipolar depression. Some studies have shown a rapid response, particularly around suicidal ideation.

Severe cases of mania or depression may require hospitalization or admission to day treatment programs. Outpatient programs are also available for less severe cases and can be used as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Coping

People with bipolar disorder can improve their quality of life by reducing their environmental stressors and triggers, including:

  • Soliciting family and social support, including support groupsVigorous exercises, like jogging, swimming, or runningSelf-management strategies like keeping drug diaries, setting up reminders, and learning to recognize the onset of manic and depressive symptomsMood charting, which means recording moods, emotions, and triggersParticipating in prayer and faith-based activitiesStress reduction activities, including mindfulness meditation

If you or a loved one needs help with bipolar disorder or the associated signs and symptoms, contact the SAMHSA National Hotline for treatment and support group referrals at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.