Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes
extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most
activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel
euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy,
activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly. Episodes of mood swings may occur
rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms
between episodes, some may not experience any.
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).
Symptoms:There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or
hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior,
resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.
Bipolar I disorder, You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by
hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality
(psychosis).
Bipolar II disorder, You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic
episode, but you've never had a manic episode. Cyclothymic disorder. You've had at least two
years - or one year in children and teenagers - of many periods of hypomania symptoms and
periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs
or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis or
stroke.
If you have any symptoms of depression or mania or If you've been diagnosed with bipolar
disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of
mania or depression. Seek Help from Hopearay expert consultant!