Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition which affects mood, energy, activity and thought of an individual. The consequences can impact the lives of affected ones, leading to severe complications in connections, expressions and communication. It leads to manic (or hypomanic) and depressive stages.
Symptoms
A manic episode is defined by:
sudden high mood and energy bursts
euphoria
mood changes
excessive emotional responses (uncontrollable laughter, irritation…)
Other effects might be:
quick talking/change of topics
risky behavior
trouble focusing/easily distracted
belief of false information (facts that are not true, e.g. the world is going under.),
Some individuals experience hypomanic episodes which are similar to manic episodes, but less excessive.
In contrast, a depressive episode is characterized by:
depressed mood (sadness, loneliness, anger…)
loss of interest in activities and social surroundings
Other symptoms include:
guilt
changes in appetite
low self-esteem
low energy levels
thoughts about suicide.
Types
There are two types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar disorder type 1: one/more manic episodes with (more common) depressive episodes
Bipolar disorder type 2: one/more hypomanic episodes with at least one depressive episode, but no experience with manic episodes
All types of episodes significantly affect individuals in their daily lives as they disrupt their social life and own behavior. The symptoms can last to a week or even longer and are present almost the whole day.
Causes
The direct causes of a bipolar disorder are not clear yet, however some factors may risk a development of bipolar disorder:
Biological influences (genetics, family history)
Different brain structures
Life events (traumas, losses…)
Use of alcohol, drugs, medications
Treatment and recovery
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms can overlap with other mental disorders or go unrecognized. To prevent misdiagnoses, it is important to analyze events and symptoms over time, not just the recent/current effects.
The treatment of bipolar disorder often involves a combination of psychological (cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation) and psychosocial (supported environment, peer support, skill training) therapy as well as medication (antipsychotic medicines, mood stabilizers). However, the sole reliance on medication is usually insufficient without other treatment.
Sources
World Health Organization, (08.09.2025), ‘Bipolar disorder’, World Health Organization
National Institute of Mental Health, (2025), ‘Bipolar Disorder’, National Institute of Mental Health