Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder in which a person is unable to control their emotional state and experiences sudden mood swings. In this disorder, a person's emotional state can alternate between episodes of depression and mania. Episodes of depression cause symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, loss of energy, fatigue, sleep problems and suicidal thoughts, while episodes of mania cause symptoms such as extreme happiness, overconfidence, increased energy, rapid speech and thoughts, sleep problems and risky behaviors. Bipolar disorder can negatively affect a person's daily life and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. This illness can be managed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment is usually a combination of medication and psychotherapy (therapy). Regular treatment for people with bipolar disorder can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
