Bipolar disorder is a condition predominantly affecting mood. People with bipolar disorder tend to experience periods of low mood (also known as depression) and periods of elevated/high mood (also known as mania). Of course it is a perfectly healthy part of the human condition to experience a range of moods, however in bipolar disorder moods can swing from an extreme high to an extreme low in a way which affects day-to-day functioning.

Bipolar disorder has two subtypes, bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a person has experienced at least one episode of mania that lasts longer than 1 week; the majority of people (around 90%) will also have periods of depression. Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when a person has had at least 1 period of significant depression and at least 1 period of hypomania (similar to mania but milder).

Changes in mood in bipolar disorder can last for several weeks or months at a time and are frequently severe enough to interfere with daily life. Some people find that they cycle between these two extremes with periods of ‘normal’ mood between episodes, others don’t experience a period of ‘normal’ mood between episodes. It is also possible to experience a mixed state where symptoms of both depression and mania are present simultaneously. The symptoms during an episode can also affect energy and activity levels as well as ability to function. Bipolar disorder is considered to be a lifelong diagnosis, however there are many ways in which people are able to manage their mood.