Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder that causes changes in a
person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar
disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur
during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes.
These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic
(abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood).
People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood
as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and
productive lives.
People without bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuations as
well. However, these mood changes typically last hours rather than
days. Also, these changes are not usually accompanied by the
extreme degree of behaviour change or difficulty with daily routines
and social interactions that people with bipolar disorder
demonstrate during mood episodes. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a
person’s relationships with loved ones and cause difficulty in
working or going to school.
Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different
diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar disorder commonly runs in families: 80 to 90 percent of
individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with bipolar
disorder or depression. Environmental factors such as stress, sleep
disruption, and drugs and alcohol may trigger mood episodes in
vulnerable people. Though the specific causes of bipolar disorder
within the brain are unclear, an imbalance of brain chemicals is
believed to lead to dysregulated brain activity. The average age of
onset is 25 years old.
People with bipolar I disorder frequently have other mental
disorders such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder that causes changes in a
person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar
disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur
during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes.
These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic
(abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood).
People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood
as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and
productive lives.
People without bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuations as
well. However, these mood changes typically last hours rather than
days. Also, these changes are not usually accompanied by the
extreme degree of behaviour change or difficulty with daily routines
and social interactions that people with bipolar disorder
demonstrate during mood episodes. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a
person’s relationships with loved ones and cause difficulty in
working or going to school.
Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different
diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar disorder commonly runs in families: 80 to 90 percent of
individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with bipolar
disorder or depression. Environmental factors such as stress, sleep
disruption, and drugs and alcohol may trigger mood episodes in
vulnerable people. Though the specific causes of bipolar disorder
within the brain are unclear, an imbalance of brain chemicals is
believed to lead to dysregulated brain activity. The average age of
onset is 25 years old.
People with bipolar I disorder frequently have other mental
disorders such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or
