Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder, usually involving periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (mania).
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
- Feeling great and full of energy
- Racing thoughts and little need for sleep
- Talking quickly
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling frustrated and irritable
- Delusions (unusual belief/s about something which is not based in reality)
- Hallucinations (such as seeing or hearing things that are not there)
What causes bipolar disorder?
The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Life events can trigger episodes of bipolar disorder. A woman with a family history of bipolar disorder is more likely to develop the condition during pregnancy or after her baby is born. A woman who has had episodes of bipolar disorder in the past is more likely to have a relapse at this time.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Treatment for bipolar disorder may include a combination of medicine and psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”). Your doctor will develop a custom treatment plan to help you manage the condition. Once your symptoms are under control, you will work with your doctor to find the best long-term treatment plan to maintain your wellness.
Sidra Medicine cares about your health. The information in this leaflet should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and the advice of your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider about this information if you have questions. You can find us on www.sidra.org