What is bipolar?

Overview

Bipolar is a mood disorder which affects 2-3% of the population at any given time. It affects genders equally. Bipolar is characterised by extreme mood swings ranging from depression to mania, often with prolonged periods of stability in between.

Onset is often in adolescence or early adulthood, although diagnosis later in life is also common. Bipolar is often split into two diagnoses: bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. With bipolar 1, the person will experience the full range of symptoms of mania and depression. With bipolar 2, the more extreme symptoms of mania are absent although the less severe symptoms known as hypomania will occur, as will the full range of depressive symptoms.

Bipolar: The Essential Guide

Bipolar Scotland have prepared a handy reference guide exploring Bipolar in detail. To access it, please click on the button below.

Symptoms Of Bipolar

Bipolar consists of depressive episodes and manic/or hypomanic episodes. Each mood varies considerably, as shown in the key symptoms below:

What are Manic Episodes?

Mania and hypomania are phases of extreme mood elevation in bipolar.

During a full manic episode, individuals experience an intense surge of energy, heightened mood, and impulsivity. They may feel euphoric, have racing thoughts, engage in risky behaviors like overspending or reckless driving, and require little sleep without feeling tired.

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, where symptoms are milder and do not cause significant impairment in daily functioning.

Key symptoms to look for

What are Depressive Episodes?

Depression in bipolar involves profound sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Individuals may experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

These alternating phases of mania/hypomania and depression characterize the cyclical nature of bipolar, affecting mood, energy levels, and behaviour.

Key symptoms to look for

Watch the video

TED-Ed presents an illuminating exploration of bipolar in their captivating video titled “Understanding Bipolar .” Delivered by an expert in the field, this engaging presentation delves deep into the complexities of bipolar, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of this often-misunderstood condition.

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