Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition marked by extreme mood shifts, including emotional highs called mania or hypomania and emotional lows known as depression.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable mood disorder that causes recurring shifts in mood, energy, activity, sleep, and behavior. People experience periods of feeling very “up” (manic or hypomanic episodes) and periods of feeling very “down” (depressive episodes). Some have symptoms of both at the same time (mixed features). It is not a character flaw or personal weakness.

Former names include manic depression and manic-depressive illness.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode lasting 7+ days or severe enough to require hospital care; depressive episodes are common and often last 2+ weeks. Mixed features can occur.
Bipolar II disorder: Major depressive episodes plus at least one hypomanic episode (a less intense form of mania). No full manic episodes.
Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Ongoing, fluctuating hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet full episode criteria, lasting ≥2 years in adults (≥1 year in youth).
Other Specified Bipolar and Related Disorder (OSBARD): Clear bipolar-type symptoms that don’t fit the above categories.
Rapid cycling (specifier): 4 or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes within 12 months (can occur with any type).

Other Conditions

You are not defined by what you've been through; your future is yours to create.

We use scientific and personalized treatment plans for whole-patient care.

When does Anxiety become a disorder?

Manic or hypomanic episode (“highs”)
Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood; feeling unusually energetic or “wired”
Decreased need for sleep
Fast speech, racing thoughts, distractibility
Inflated self-confidence or grandiosity
Increased goal-directed activity or agitation
Risky or impulsive behaviors (e.g., overspending, reckless driving, risky sex)
In severe mania: psychosis (hallucinations or delusions)
Hypomania includes similar symptoms but is less severe and doesn’t cause marked impairment or require hospitalization.

Depressive episode (“lows”)
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure
Low energy, slowed thinking or movement
Sleep changes (too much or too little); appetite or weight changes
Poor concentration, indecisiveness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide

Mixed features

Symptoms of mania/hypomania and depression occur together (e.g., feeling very agitated and sleepless while also hopeless). Mixed states can be particularly distressing and risky.

15+

Years of experience

What causes Bipolar Disorder?

There is no single cause. Bipolar disorder likely results from a combination of:
Genetics (family history increases risk)
Brain structure and function differences
Environmental factors (stress, trauma, disrupted sleep, substance use)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or chronic stress

How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed?

A clinician evaluates:
Symptoms and life history (including any mixed or psychotic features)
Medical causes to rule out (labs or other tests as needed)
Family history and collateral information when appropriate
Standard diagnostic criteria and tools; mood charts can help track patterns

Did you know that bipolar disorder was formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression?

See why a root-cause, science-backed model is essential in modern psychiatry.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Most people do best with an individualized plan that combines medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle support.

1. Medications

Mood stabilizers and/or atypical antipsychotics are first-line to control mania/hypomania and prevent relapse.
Antidepressants may be used cautiously and typically with a mood stabilizer to reduce risk of switching into mania.
Ongoing, consistent use is key; never stop medication without medical guidance.

2. Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to stabilize routines and sleep
Family-Focused Therapy and psychoeducation to build skills and support

3. Brain-stimulation & adjunctive options

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Effective for severe or treatment-resistant episodes, urgent suicidality, or catatonia.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): Noninvasive option, mainly for bipolar depression.
Light therapy: May help seasonal patterns (use with clinical guidance).

4. Lifestyle & self-management

Keep regular sleep/wake times and daily routines
Exercise regularly; eat a balanced diet
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
Track mood, sleep, and triggers; build a support network
Create a safety plan for early warning signs and emergencies

Care at Vivabest Psychiatry

At Vivabest Psychiatry, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include mood-stabilizing medication, careful monitoring, and evidence-based psychotherapy. When helpful, we can incorporate pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing to inform medication choices. We also provide interpersonal therapy and supportive counseling, plus education and tools to help you maintain routines, recognize early warning signs, and thrive.