Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, energy levels and behaviors. The disorder can affect your whole life, but there are ways to live well with it.

Treatment is often a combination of medication, talk therapy and self-care strategies. You and your doctor should work together to find the right combination for you.

Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder causes extreme mood swings ranging from highs (mania) to lows (depression). These episodes can last for weeks or months and can affect relationships, work, and school.

When a person is in a manic episode, they usually feel very happy and energized, often with large amounts of energy, ambition, ideas, and plans. They may have racing thoughts and be easily distracted or irritable.

These symptoms can cause problems in daily life and lead to unsafe activities. They also put people at risk of suicide.

A person with bipolar disorder needs treatment that can keep their moods stable. This involves medicines, talk therapy and other ways to manage their illness.

Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition. Diagnosing it is often difficult for doctors and other professionals, even those with advanced training in psychiatry or psychology.

People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of manic and depressive moods (manic and depressive episode) that last from a few days to several weeks or longer. They can be very scary for the person and others around them, but they are not impossible to treat.

In addition to medicine that helps keep moods stable, bipolar patients sometimes need talk therapy to learn new skills that help them manage their symptoms and lead better lives. These include psychoeducation, communication improvement and problem-solving techniques.

The diagnosis is made by a specialist, who usually asks you questions about your symptoms and history and conducts a psychological evaluation. Then, they review your results and may recommend treatment options.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with cycles of extreme low and high moods. The periods of high mood are called "mania" or "depression."

During an episode, it can be hard to stay in a job and relationships, and people with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of suicide. Treatment includes medication, psychological therapy and community support programs.

Medication is the most common and effective treatment for bipolar disorder, but it can be difficult to find the right combination that works for you. It's important to always tell your doctor about symptoms and any medications you're taking, so he or she can prescribe the best combination for you.

Medications for bipolar disorder can cause side effects, so they must be taken consistently as prescribed by your health care provider. If you stop taking a medication suddenly, your symptoms may return or worsen.

Prevention

Bipolar disorder can't be prevented, but there are some things you can do to manage symptoms. For instance, managing stress and maintaining healthy relationships can help you stay better-balanced and avoid episodes of depression or mania.

You can also work with a health care provider to find a treatment plan that works for you. Psychotherapy, for example, can help you identify and change your thoughts and behaviors that are causing problems.

Medications for bipolar disorder, known as mood stabilizers, are usually used to treat current episodes and prevent them from recurring. They include lithium, divalproex (or valproic acid or carbamazepine), and lamotrigine.

Antidepressants are generally safe for people with bipolar disorder, but they must be carefully monitored and given in small doses that can be slowly increased. They can cause a rise in mania in some people, so it's important to be careful with them.