Bipolar is a term that refers to the extreme mood swings that characterize the mental illness called bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder cycle between depression and lethargy at one end of the bipolar spectrum, and mania and hyperactivity at the other.

Definition

The term bipolar refers to the extreme bouts of depression that alternate with extreme periods of mania or excitement in people who have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects approximately 2.6% of the general population according to statistics collected by the National Institute of Mental Health. The condition was formerly known as manic-depressive disorder.

Significance

Mood disorders are now categorized by the American Psychiatric Association as either unipolar or bipolar. Unipolar mood disorders cause a single abnormal emotional state in the people who suffer from them, such as chronic depression. Bipolar disorder causes a person to swing between two extremes of emotion. Bipolar sufferers may experience periods of depression followed by periods of mania or euphoria, cycling back and forth between these extremes.

Considerations

People with bipolar illness can cycle rapidly between states or experience a swing between emotional states as seldom as once in a year's time. Bipolar disorder requires treatment that differs significantly from treatment for unipolar illnesses so accurate diagnosis is crucial.

Identification

Bipolar disorder can take many years to diagnose because those who suffer from it tend to be seen in one mood state at a time. Victims of bipolar disorder are often treated unsuccessfully for unipolar mood problems like depression or acute mania for many years before the bipolar pattern becomes evident.

Prevention/Solution

Bipolar disorder is not preventable, but it can be treated with mood stabilizers such as lithium. Early diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment and management of bipolar illness.

Source:

Bipolar Disorder Definition

Definition of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder NIH

More Information:

NIMH Bipolar Disorder