Bipolar 1 disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood, from mania (feeling very high and overactive) to depression (feeling very low). In bipolar 1, a person has had at least one episode of mania. Most people also have episodes of depression.

Between episodes, many people have periods of stable mood.

Mania

A manic episode lasts at least a week (or less if hospital treatment is needed). Signs include:

feeling very happy, excited or irritable
having lots of energy and needing much less sleep
racing thoughts and talking very fast
feeling important or having grand ideas
doing risky things, such as spending lots of money or unsafe sex
being easily distracted

Some people have psychosis during mania, such as hearing voices or believing things that are not true.

Depression

feeling low, hopeless or empty
losing interest in things
tiredness, sleeping too much or too little
finding it hard to concentrate
thoughts of death or suicide

Causes

Bipolar disorder is thought to be caused by a mix of genes, brain chemistry and life events, such as stress or trauma. It often starts between the ages of 15 and 25.

Getting diagnosed

Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist, who makes the diagnosis. It can take time, as many people first see a doctor when they are depressed. Tell your GP about any times you have felt unusually high, energetic or needed very little sleep.

See bipolar 1 treatment.

Common questions

What is the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?

Bipolar 1 involves at least one episode of full mania, which can be severe and may include psychosis. Bipolar 2 involves hypomania, a milder form of mania, and episodes of depression. Bipolar 2 is not a milder illness overall, because depression can be long and severe.

Can people with bipolar work and have families?

Yes. Many people with bipolar disorder work, study, have relationships and raise families. Treatment, knowing your warning signs and support all help.