Bipolar Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.

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What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes cycles of rapid mood and behavior changes. High moods are called mania. Low moods are called depression. Sometimes you will feel manic and sometimes you will feel depressed. Episodes of mania or depression may last 1 to 2 weeks or longer. You can have mixed symptoms of mania and depression as part of the same episode. This is called a mixed bipolar state.

What increases my risk for bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder may not be known. Any of the following may increase your risk:

• A family history of a mood disorder
• A chemical imbalance in your brain
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorder, personality disorder, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Stressful events such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, or divorce
• Alcohol or substance use disorders or withdrawal
• A brain injury or neurological conditions such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis

What are the signs and symptoms of mania?

• Being easily distracted or agitated, or focusing all your attention on a goal
• Increased energy, feeling overly happy, with a sudden change to anger or irritability
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or decreased need for sleep
• Inflated sense of self-importance, power, or knowledge
• Impulsive or aggressive behavior, such as spending a lot of money or abusing substances
• Racing thoughts that may not make sense, or increased thoughts about sex
• Speech that is faster than usual, or talking more than usual
• Hallucinations that cause you to see and hear things that are not really there

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

• Anger, anxiety, or irritability
• Lack of energy or reduced concentration
• Sadness, emptiness, or crying for long periods
• Low self-esteem or sense of worthlessness
• Negative thoughts or no interest in any activities
• Too much or too little sleep

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. Your provider will ask if you have a family history of mental health conditions or mood disorders. Tell your provider about stressful life events. Your provider may ask about other health conditions you have or medicines or substances you use. Any of the following may be used to find the cause of your symptoms:

• Blood and urine tests may be used to check for an infection or for drug or alcohol abuse.
• CT or MRI pictures may show problems in your brain that can cause bipolar disorder. Contrast liquid may be given to help your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Metal can cause serious problems from the magnet. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• An EEG may be used to find changes in your brain activity that may cause your symptoms.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder cannot be cured. Treatment includes medicines, psychotherapy, or both. You may need to go into the hospital for tests and treatment.

• Medicines may be given to stabilize your mood, reduce anxiety, and help regulate thoughts. You may need 1 or more medicines. You may need to try different medicines to find which one works best for you. You may need to take your medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better.
• Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, helps you learn skills to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors. You may work alone with a therapist or attend group therapy with others who have bipolar disorder.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a type of brain stimulation therapy that can help relieve symptoms.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Lamictal
• Seroquel
• Vraylar
• Abilify
• Latuda

View more treatment options

How can I manage my symptoms?

• Take your medicine as directed. Do not stop taking your medicine until you talk with your healthcare provider. Tell your provider if you have any problems with or questions about your medicine. Changes in medicine are often needed as bipolar disorder changes.
• Know the warning signs and get help as soon as possible. Tell someone if you feel a manic or depressive period might be coming on. Ask a friend or family member to help watch you for bipolar symptoms.
• Create a daily routine. A routine will help balance your mood. The routine should include set times to eat meals, exercise, and do other daily activities. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day. Try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can lower your stress, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Most providers recommend 30 minutes each day, 5 days a week. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
• Manage your stress. Stress may trigger your symptoms. Learn ways to relax, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Do not use tobacco products, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These substances can all increase your symptoms or make them hard to manage. Substances may also interact with medicines used to treat bipolar disorder. Ask your provider for information if you currently use any of these and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Where can I find support and more information?

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663
  Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
  Phone: 1- 301 - 443-4513
  Phone: 1- 866 - 615-6464
  Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
  

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
  730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
  Chicago , IL 60610-7224
  Phone: 1- 800 - 826-3632
  Web Address: http://www.dbsalliance.org
  

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You think or talk about hurting yourself or someone else.

When should I call my doctor or therapist or have someone call?

• You have trouble managing your bipolar disorder.
• Your thoughts change the way you function during the day.
• You cannot sleep, or you sleep more than usual.
• You cannot eat, or you eat more than usual.
• You have side effects from your medicines, or they do not help.
• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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