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Bipolar Disorder: Fast Facts


Reviewed By: Steven A. King, M.D.

  • Bipolar disorder is usually characterized by extreme swings in mood, from highs (mania) to lows (depression). Some forms may be diagnosed without the patient experience a depressive episode.

  • Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to as manic depression.

  • Bipolar disorder affects roughly 5.7 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

  • Episodes of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months and the condition usually require lifelong treatment.

  • Episodes generally follow a pattern for a particular patient but may become more frequent as the person ages.

  • The cause and risk factors of bipolar disorder are not completely understood.

  • People who have relatives with a history of a mood disorder are at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder.

  • Symptoms of bipolar disorder generally remain the same from one episode to the next for a particular patient, but they may get worse or better.

  • Symptoms of mania include euphoria, increased self-esteem, racing thoughts and reckless behavior.

  • Symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue and thoughts of death.

  • Psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions may occur in both manic and depressive episodes.

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