Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes cycles of mood elevation (mania or hypomania) and depression. Episodes can impair sleep, judgment, and functioning; between episodes, many people feel well.

• Mania symptoms: elevated or irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, risky behavior.
• Depression symptoms: low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite/sleep, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness.
• Treatment: mood stabilizers and/or atypical antipsychotics, psychoeducation, sleep‑routine regularity, CBT/IPSRT, family‑focused therapy.
• Safety: during severe episodes, supervision and hospitalization may be needed to reduce risk.

Early, continuous care helps reduce relapses and improves quality of life.