Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme and intense mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. It used to be called manic depression. The key features involve periods of mania or hypomania (elevated, energetic, or irritable mood) and periods of depression (feeling sad, hopeless, or indifferent). These mood episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months. During a manic episode, a person may feel very energetic, euphoric, or irritable, and may engage in impulsive or risky behavior, with a decreased need for sleep. In contrast, the depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and low energy. Some people also experience mixed episodes, where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously. Bipolar disorder affects mood, energy, behavior, and the ability to function, and it often requires lifelong management through medication and therapy. It commonly begins in young adulthood and can be associated with other mental health issues such as anxiety or substance use disorders. The risk of suicide is significant among those with this disorder. There are different types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder: involves severe manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or needing hospitalization, often with depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II disorder: involves depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania.
• Cyclothymic disorder: involves milder symptoms of hypomania and depression lasting at least 2 years.

Despite the challenges, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives with proper treatment and support. The disorder affects about 1-5% of the global population.