Bipolar disorder involves significant shifts in mood and energy. With accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment, these episodes can be stabilised.
Periods of elevated mood and increased activity alternate with episodes of depression. Recognising the pattern is central to effective long-term management.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania, involving elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsive decisions, alternating with depressive episodes. Between episodes, functioning may return to normal.
When to seek help for bipolar disorder
Recognising the signs and knowing when support can help
If you experience periods of unusually high energy and reduced sleep followed by episodes of low mood, or if family members have noticed marked changes in your behaviour, seek assessment.
Types of bipolar and related disorders
Bipolar I Disorder
Involves at least one full manic episode, often with depressive episodes. Mania may impair functioning significantly and sometimes needs urgent care.
Bipolar II Disorder
Involves hypomanic episodes, less severe than mania, together with recurrent depressive episodes that are often the main difficulty.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Chronic fluctuating mood with periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for either episode.
Mixed Features
Symptoms of mania and depression occurring together, such as agitation alongside low mood, requiring careful assessment and treatment.
Rapid Cycling
Four or more mood episodes within a year. This pattern needs close monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan.
Substance-Induced Mood Changes
Mood episodes triggered or worsened by alcohol, drugs, or certain medications, which must be identified for treatment to work.
