What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a disorder characterized by extreme swings in mood, energy, and ability to function. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more dramatic than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships, and cause poor job or school performance. Bipolar disorder can be treated; contact your doctor if you think you may have this condition.

This illness is characterized by two mood extremes: Mania can be described as an energy surge in which the mood may be overly euphoric or irritable. Conversly, with depressive aspect of the illness, lethargy takes over and the mood may be very low. Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be associated with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorders of thought.

There are two forms of this condition: bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar II disorder involves milder episodes of mania that alternate with episodes of depression.

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