Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes can last for days to weeks or even months and affect a person's energy, behavior, and ability to function normally. The mood changes are more intense and prolonged than normal mood fluctuations and can severely disrupt daily life, relationships, and work or school performance. During manic or hypomanic episodes, individuals may feel extremely euphoric, energetic, or irritable, and may engage in risky behaviors, have a reduced need for sleep, and experience racing thoughts. Depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low energy, and loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Between these episodes, people with bipolar disorder can experience periods of normal mood. There are different types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder, which vary in the intensity and patterns of mood episodes. Bipolar disorder often runs in families and can be triggered or worsened by stress, sleep disruption, and substance use. It is a lifelong condition but can be managed with medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. In summary, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, impacting mood, energy, and behavior significantly.
