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Bipolar disorder, (previously known as manic depression) is a mental health condition. It involves cycles of extreme low and high mood. A person with bipolar disorder may cycle between feeling euphoric and extremely energetic (‘manic’), and feeling very low (‘depression’).

The cycle of manic and depressive symptoms is different for everyone. Some people may only experience one episode of mania or hypomania, whereas others might have more frequent mood challenges. Treatment with medication may stop the symptoms, or make them shorter or less intense.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown

Contributing factors may include brain chemicals, environmental factors, physical illness and stress.

Research suggests that around 80 per cent of the causes are genetic

Symptoms of bipolar disorder generally begin in early adulthood

For most people the disorder is a lifelong diagnosis.

However, with appropriate treatment and support: people with bipolar disorder can maintain a good quality of life. It is estimated that approximately 2.2% of Americans live with a form of bipolar disorder.

One in 50 adult Americans experience bipolar disorder each year.

People with bipolar I disorder typically experience: With bipolar I disorder, episodes of mania are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life.

Depressive episodes are often more frequent and longer-lasting than mania. People with bipolar II disorder typically experience both hypomanic and depressive episodes. A person with hypomania will experience similar symptoms to someone with mania, but less intensely.

Hypomania associated with bipolar II lasts only a few days (rather at least one week of mania, as with bipolar I). Although bipolar II disorder has less severe symptoms than bipolar I disorder, it can be chronic (ongoing). Depressive episodes are often more frequent and longer-lasting than hypomania.

Cyclothymic disorder is characterised by persistent and unpredictable changes in mood. The highs and lows are much less extreme than for bipolar I and II disorder, with a number of symptoms of hypomanic and depressive episodes, but not enough to meet criteria for either. Some people experience ‘mixed episodes’ – where they can feel some of the signs and symptoms of both depression and mania or hypomania.

Common symptoms of mania associated with bipolar disorder include:

  • unrealistic plans. The symptoms of hypomania are the same as those for mania
  • but less severe
  • of shorter duration (lasting 4 days or longer). During manic or hypomanic episodes
  • symptoms are present for most of the day
  • nearly every day

Common symptoms of depression associated with bipolar disorder include:

  • suicidal thoughts behaviour
  • including delusions
  • hallucinations. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. Contributing factors may include: stress

Research suggests that around 80 per cent of the causes are genetic, and people can have a strong genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder. This means that for those people, because of the coding in their genes, certain triggers may cause symptoms of bipolar disorder to occur. Triggers may include stressors such as abuse, loss, or trauma.

Sometimes bipolar disorder develops without a trigger

One theory is that the illness might be linked to the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) serotonin and norepinephrine.

These chemicals help regulate mood

It is thought that, for a person with a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder, these chemicals may easily be thrown out of balance. While the onset of bipolar disorder may be linked to stressful life events, it is unlikely that stress causes bipolar disorder. People who live with bipolar disorder often find that managing and reducing stress in their lives helps to reduce their chance of triggering a relapse.

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment and management

Treatment options may include:

  • self-help groups for emotional support
  • understanding. Help Centre Tel. bipolar disorder symptoms can be well managed Types of bipolar disorder Bipolar I disorder one or more manic episodes (extreme highs) lasting at least one week
  • as well as depressive episodes Bipolar II disorder Cyclothymic disorder Mixed episodes Bipolar disorder – mania feeling extremely euphoric (‘high’) or energetic going without sleep thinking
  • speaking quickly reckless behaviour
  • such as overspending participating in unsafe sexual activity aggression irritability Bipolar disorder – depression withdrawal from people
  • activities feelings of sadness
  • hopelessness lack of appetite manage their condition be more self-sufficient community support programs – to provide rehabilitation
  • employment support Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Psychiatrist SANE 1800 18 7263 Monday to Friday
  • am – 10 pm SANE peer support moderated forums Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636

Key Points

  • cycle of manic and depressive symptoms is different for everyone
  • Treatment with medication may stop the symptoms, or make them shorter or less intense
  • exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown
  • Research suggests that around 80 per cent of the causes are genetic
  • Symptoms of bipolar disorder generally begin in early adulthood