Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, once called manic depression, is a medical condition that causes major changes in mood, thinking, energy and behavior.
Someone with bipolar disorder may have mood swings between highs (mania) and lows (depression). These mood changes can last from hours to months and may affect relationships, school, work and finances.
What is bipolar disorder?
There are two main forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I is the most severe type and is often called the classic form. People with this type have repeated episodes of both mania and depression.
- Bipolar II is usually milder. People with this type do not have full manic episodes but instead have milder highs called hypomanias, along with episodes of depression.
Manic and depressive symptoms can also occur at the same time, which is called a mixed episode.
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder means having four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression in one year.
Treatment for bipolar
Many people do not seek help during manic periods because the symptoms, like more energy or a better mood, can feel positive. But if not managed, these behaviors can lead to problems.
If manic symptoms are not treated, they can sometimes lead to risky or dangerous situations because judgment is often affected. Sadly, up to 20% of people with this illness die by suicide.
There are several treatments for bipolar disorder, and new options are being studied. Treatment may include a combination of medication, therapy or counseling. For people with bipolar disorders, it's important for them to work closely with a mental health professional and follow their treatment plan.
Support managing your bipolar disorder
We offer resources to help you track and manage your bipolar symptoms. These tools work best when used with your doctor or mental health provider and are not a replacement for professional care.
- Symptomgraph (PDF)
- Personal mania symptom profile (PDF)
- Response to manic symptoms - Costs & benefits (PDF)
- Values and actions wellness checklist (PDF)
- Impact on physical health (PDF)
Want to learn more about bipolar disorder?
Online resources
- Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program: This program aims to find the biological changes that cause bipolar disorder. It also aims to develop new treatments and preventive methods for the illness.
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit: The Depression Center Toolkit provides information, tools, support and resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a national group. Its mission is to “provide hope, help, and support to improve the lives of people living with depression or bipolar disorder.” Their website offers information on mood disorders and provides resources for finding support.
Recommended reading
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (3rd Edition) by David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D. (2018). A leading expert offers clear, science-based advice on managing symptoms, medication, therapy, and lifestyle.
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. (1996). A memoir written by a renowned clinical psychologist describing her personal experience of bipolar disorder
Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder by William R. Marchand, M.D. (2015). Combines neuroscience and mindfulness strategies to help reduce mood instability.
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston, Psy.D. (2022). A guide for partners, friends, and family to support someone with bipolar disorder while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bipolar but Were Too Freaked Out to Ask by Hilary Smith (2010). A funny, honest and down-to-earth guide written by a young adult with bipolar disorder.
Finding treatment
To explore treatment and support options, visit our treatment services or support resource sections.