Bipolar disorder is a serious diagnosis.  It’s important to know that more than 2 million American adults have bipolar disorder. Unlike depression, bipolar disorder is equally common in men and women. And although the onset of the condition typically occurs in the early 20s, the first symptoms can appear in early childhood or late in life.  Although some people may have only one episode, bipolar disorder is often a lifelong condition. It’s usually marked by episodes of extreme and irrational highs.

No one knows for sure what causes bipolar disorder, but the condition often runs in families. Experts believe there is an underlying problem with the balance of chemicals in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. When the levels of one of these chemicals are too high, mania occurs; when the levels are low, a person experiences depression.  The best treatment is a combination of medication and counseling, though electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used in people who don’t respond to traditional therapy.

Doctors often treat the symptoms with one set of drugs. Certain drugs are also used for "maintenance," to maintain a steady mood. Antidepressants are not often used alone as they may precipitate rapid cycling between depression and mania.  Some people respond well to medicines for bipolar disorder.  Often people need to take more than one medicine to control bipolar symptoms.

People with bipolar I disorder have dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to function. The highs are known as "mania" or manic episodes, and the lows are called depression or depressive episodes. Episodes can last days to months, with periods of normalcy in between. People diagnosed with bipolar I disorder have had at least two episodes of mania or mixed episodes (symptoms of mania and depression occurring nearly every day for at least a week). It is the more severe form of the disease.

People with bipolar II disorder have one or more depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe. For some, hypomanic episodes are not severe enough to cause notable problems in social activities or work. For others, however, they can be troublesome.

People who have depression alone, would not be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  If you have concerns about your emotional health, see your doctor or a qualified health care professional.