Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects your mood and energy levels. It causes extreme highs and lows, called bipolar episodes.

It can affect your work, relationships and life. It is a lifelong illness that requires ongoing treatment. Medications and therapy can help manage your symptoms.

Symptoms

People who have bipolar disorder tend to experience mood changes in a rapid and unpredictable manner. This can be either in the form of manic or depressive episodes.

When a person is in a manic phase they may have lots of energy, ambitious plans, and ideas. They may spend a lot of money and be very talkative.

It is also common to experience visible restlessness and agitation during this time. This can include tapping your fingers, being easily irritable, or abruptly starting or stopping tasks.

In severe bipolar disorder, the person can also experience symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations or delusions. These symptoms usually match the mood of the person, and can be frightening.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made after a mental health professional has examined a persons symptoms. To make a diagnosis, a doctor uses a combination of methods including a thorough clinical interview, family history and tests for certain medical conditions that can cause mood changes.

The main characteristic of bipolar disorder is mood episodes, which include periods of mania (highs) and depression. Everyone experiences these episodes differently, but they typically last several days or weeks.

People with bipolar disorder have a better chance of living full lives if they are diagnosed and treated. They can take medication, talk with a therapist and learn to cope with their moods.

Making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is a complicated process that can take several doctor visits and testing. Psychiatrists, who specialize in mental health disorders, are the best choice to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder.

Treatment

Treatment for bipolar disorder can help you manage your symptoms and live a normal, productive life. It can take a while to find the right combination of medications and therapy that works for you.

Medications: You'll probably be prescribed mood stabilisers or a combination of medicines to control your mood swings. These may include antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics and other drugs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): In CBT, you and your therapist work together to change your thoughts and behaviors in order to better manage your symptoms. It's especially helpful in the maintenance phase of bipolar disorder, as it's linked to better compliance with medication and fewer hospitalizations.

Medication: Mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics are the most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder. They can help you stay on a stable mood and improve your energy and appetite.

Talk therapy (psychotherapy) can also be a helpful treatment option. It can teach you how to accept your disorder, recognize the warning signs of an episode, and stick with your medication schedule. It can also improve communication and relationships with family members.

Prevention

Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that requires continuous treatment. The most effective approach involves medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.

People who have bipolar disorder often have a family history of mental health problems. This can make a diagnosis more difficult and lead to delays in treatment.

Fortunately, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be prevented or slowed down with a combination of treatments. These include medications, psychotherapy, and helpful lifestyle habits such as light therapy.

Many of these are available to you free of charge and can help reduce the risk of future episodes. Talk to your health care provider about whether they are right for you.

Another way to prevent bipolar disorder is by getting regular physical checkups. You can also talk to your doctor about taking part in clinical trials that could uncover new drugs and therapies.