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Bipolar is a mood disorder caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and consists of alternating manic and depressive episodes. About 2.6% of Americans over the age of 18 suffer from bipolar disorder.

“Bipolar disorder is about 85 percent pure genetics,” says Stephen Strakowski, MD, vice dean of research and associate vice president of Regional Mental Health at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. “It’s actually unusual to have someone with bipolar disorder who has no family history of any psychiatric conditions.” (For the full article, click here.)

There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less-severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

• Bipolar I disorder: defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days or by manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospitalization is necessary. Depressive episodes usually occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Mixed episodes (manic and depressive symptoms occurring at the same time) are also possible.

• Bipolar II disorder: defined by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described below.

• Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia): defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode. (For more about bipolar types, click here.)                            

Manic episode

  • Increased energy, activity, restlessness
  • Euphoric mood
  • Extreme irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Racing thoughts, fast talking, jumping between ideas
  • Sleeplessness
  • Heightened sense of self-importance
  • Spending sprees
  • Increased sexual behavior
  • Abuse of drugs, such as cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
  • Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
  • Denial that anything is wrong

Depressive episode

  • Sad, anxious, or empty-feeling mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
  • Decreased energy, fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Sleeplessness or sleeping too much
  • Change in appetite, unintended weight loss or gain
  • Bodily symptoms not caused by physical illness or injury
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include:

  • the breakdown of a relationship
  • physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
  • the death of a close family member or loved one

Bipolar disorder may also be triggered by:

  • physical illness
  • sleep disturbances
  • overwhelming problems in everyday life, such as problems with money, work, or relationships (for more on triggers, click here)