What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behaviour and the ability to think clearly.

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Bipolar Disorder Myths

  • Alcohol and drug use can cause Bipolar.
  • Bipolar Disorder symptoms are not present until adulthood.
  • There is only one type of Bipolar Disorder.
  • You can receive genetic or medical testing to determine if you have Bipolar Disorder.
  • Bipolar can be cured with medications, therapies and/or hospitalisations.

Don’t be Fooled by Fake Quizzes

We understand how confusing it can be. The internet is filled with inaccurate and overly broad information about Bipolar Disorder. Many online tests misrepresent the condition or miss important nuances—leading to misunderstandings, misdiagnosis, or missed opportunities for support.

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, professional guidance when exploring their mental health. That’s why our comprehensive Bipolar pre-assessment tool is based on the DSM-5.

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Real Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder signs and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Below are some commonly experienced Bipolar symptoms that you may have experienced, prompting you to consider the possibility of a Bipolar diagnosis:

Fluctuating Productivity

Do you have days where you feel really productive, but then other days where it’s hard to get anything done? Do you struggle to keep up with work or finish tasks?

Irritability or Agitation

Do you feel irritated, agitated and hostile, often for no reason at all? 

Difficulty Concentrating

Do you have trouble staying focused or calming your mind? Do you feel like your thoughts are racing and it’s hard to keep your attention on one thing?

Changes in Speech Patterns

Does your speech ever vary between rapid or slow, and do you have trouble articulating your thoughts? 

Changes in Appearance

Do you find yourself sometimes spending a lot of time on grooming and dressing, and other times not bothering much with your appearance or health?

Social Withdrawal

Do you find yourself pulling away from friends, family, and social events? Do you lose interest in activities you used to love?

Excessive Energy

Do you sometimes feel like you have a lot more energy than usual? You might feel restless and have a strong urge to keep moving. You could also feel extra happy, chatty, or full of energy.

Mood Swings

Do you notice that your mood swings from really high to really low? It can happen all of a sudden or slowly over time.

Impulsivity

Do you often find yourself acting on impulse? This could mean spending a lot of money suddenly, engaging in risky sexual activities, or using drugs without thinking about what might happen as a result.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Do you notice changes in your sleep? Maybe there are times when you feel like you don’t need much sleep at all, and other times when you just want to sleep all day long.

Did you answer Yes to one or more of the above symptoms?

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Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

To diagnose Bipolar Disorder, practitioners in Western Medicine typically rely on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)*. This handbook provides a standardised set of guidelines for identifying and diagnosing mental disorders, including ADHD. 

According to the DSM-V, there are two different presentations of Bipolar Disorder including Bipolar I or Bipolar II based on specific symptoms and episodes experienced by the individual: manic and depressive episodes and depressive episodes without full-blown manic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder involves experiencing extreme highs (manic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes).

Bipolar II Disorder involves less severe highs (hypomanic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes), without full-blown manic episodes.

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FAQs about Bipolar Disorder

Children can be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, though it can be more challenging to identify in young people than in adults. According to the DSM-5, Bipolar Disorder in children often presents with mood swings that are more frequent and severe than normal childhood behaviour. Symptoms may include extreme irritability, prolonged temper tantrums, high energy, and periods of sadness or withdrawal.

In diagnosing children, mental health professionals are careful to distinguish between normal developmental behaviours, other mental health conditions like ADHD or anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder. It’s important to observe patterns over time, as children with Bipolar Disorder tend to experience distinct mood episodes that can significantly disrupt their daily life, relationships, and school performance.

Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial for helping children manage symptoms and maintain stability. Treatments usually involve a combination of medication and therapy, tailored to the child’s age and needs.

Yes, Bipolar Disorder is treatable, though it is a long-term condition. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication (like mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants) and psychotherapy. With proper care, with Bipolar Disorder can lead stable, productive lives. Ongoing management helps to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed by a Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and sometimes family history. The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for diagnosing Bipolar Disorder, including distinct periods of mania and depression. It is important to rule out other medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms.

The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. People with a family history of Bipolar Disorder are more likely to develop it. Stress, trauma, or major life changes may trigger episodes in someone predisposed to the condition.

Symptoms vary depending on whether someone is in a manic or depressive episode. During a manic episode, individuals might feel overly energetic, talkative, and take risks without thinking. In a depressive episode, they may feel hopeless, tired, and have trouble concentrating. These mood changes can last days, weeks, or longer and may cause disruptions in relationships and work.

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings. These swings include episodes of mania (high energy, euphoria, or irritability) and depression (low energy, sadness, or hopelessness). People with Bipolar Disorder may also experience periods of normal mood between these episodes. It can significantly affect daily life but is manageable with treatment and support.

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*The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the gold standard used by Psychologists and Psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. Created by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s a globally recognised guide that outlines the criteria for conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder and more. The most recent edition, the DSM-5-TR, was released in 2022.

DSM-5-TR offers detailed descriptions of various mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, course, and associated features. It serves as a crucial reference for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers in the field of mental health.

This manual helps clinicians accurately identify and diagnose mental health conditions, guiding treatment planning and interventions. It also facilitates communication among professionals by providing a common language and framework for understanding and discussing mental health disorders.

DSM-5-TR is periodically updated to reflect advancements in scientific understanding, changes in diagnostic criteria, and emerging trends in mental health research. It plays a vital role in shaping clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies related to mental health and psychiatric disorders.