• Bipolar disorder causes big mood swings. You can switch from periods of very high energy (manic phases) to periods of sadness (depression). Medicines can help control mood swings. Counseling is important to help you recognize your mood swings.
• This illness can be very hard to diagnose. The earlier it is identified and treated, the better your chances of getting it under control.
• People often have to try several different medicines before finding what works for them. Regular checkups are important so that your doctor can tell if your treatment is working.
• People often stop their daily medicines during a manic phase because they feel good. But this is a mistake. You must take those medicines regularly, even when you feel fine.
• Learning to recognize when a manic phase may be coming on is important so that you can start treatment early with medicine that is especially for manic phases. Charting your moods is one way you can figure out your patterns and symptoms.
• Having this disorder can make you feel helpless and hopeless. But you are not alone. Talking with others who suffer from it may help you learn that there is hope for a better life.
• Family members often feel helpless when a loved one is depressed or manic. If a loved one has bipolar disorder, you may want to get counseling for yourself. Therapy can also help a child who has a bipolar parent.

Is this topic for you?

This topic discusses bipolar disorder in adults. If you are concerned that your child or teen may have bipolar disorder, see the topic Bipolar Disorder in Childhood and Adolescence.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes extreme mood changes that switch from manic episodes of very high energy to the extreme lows of depression. It is also called manic-depressive disorder.

This illness can cause behavior so extreme that you cannot function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal.

Having this disorder can make you feel helpless and hopeless. But you are not alone. Talking with others who suffer from it may help you learn that there is hope for a better life. And treatment can help you get back in control.

Family members often feel helpless when a loved one is depressed or manic. If your loved one has bipolar disorder, you may want to get counseling for yourself. Therapy can also help a child who has a bipolar parent.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely understood. We know that it runs in families. It may also be affected by your living environment or family situation. One possible cause is an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.

What are the symptoms?