Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterised by significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts include periods of intense highs (mania or a less severe form called hypomania) and lows (depression).

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Mood Episodes: The core feature of bipolar disorder is the occurrence of distinct mood episodes that are more intense and longer-lasting than typical mood fluctuations. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months.
• Mania and Hypomania (Elevated Moods):
  • Mania is characterised by an abnormally elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, impulsivity, and sometimes psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. Mania can significantly impair a person's social, occupational, and daily functioning and may require hospitalisation.
  • Hypomania involves less severe manic symptoms that don't significantly impair daily functioning or require hospitalisation. However, it's still a noticeable change from the person's usual mood and behaviour.
• Depression (Low Moods): Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are similar to those in major depressive disorder, involving persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
• Periods of Euthymia: Between mood episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder often experience periods of relatively stable or normal mood, known as euthymia.
• Types of Bipolar Disorder: There are different types of bipolar disorder, primarily distinguished by the severity and duration of the manic or hypomanic episodes:
  • Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: Characterised by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full manic episodes.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form with numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet the full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
  • Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: Diagnosed when a person has bipolar-like symptoms that don't fit neatly into the other categories.

It's important to understand that bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, but its symptoms can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies.