Serious mental illness that consists of extreme mood swings, ranging from euphoric and very energetic moods (mania) to sad and low energy moods (depression). There may also be periods of mood stability between these changes.
The cause is unknown, but some studies suggest there may be a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms when you are in a period of depression include loss of self-esteem, dejection, fatigue, slowness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, abnormal thoughts about death and suicidal thoughts. If you are in a period of hypomania, you will experience a state of euphoria or irritability, high self-esteem, a false sense of having special abilities, accelerated thinking, little need for sleep and an increase in sexual activity. We speak of hypomania when there are manic symptoms without any impact on the person's behaviour.
The diagnosis is made by clinical interview and specialist assessment after other causes have been ruled out.
Treatment is a combination of psychological and drug therapy.
- Trisha Suppes, Victoria E Cosgrove. Bipolar disorder in adults: Clinical features. UpToDate. Jan 04, 2016.
- Trisha Suppes, Victoria E Cosgrove. Bipolar disorder in adults: Assessment and diagnosis. UpToDate. Jun 20, 2016.
- Robert M Post. Bipolar disorder in adults: Choosing maintenance treatment. UpToDate. Aug 29, 2016.
- Jeffrey Stovall. Bipolar disorder in adults: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. UpToDate. Mar 14, 2016.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA 2013.
- Victor I. Reus. Trastornos mentales. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2717:2719.
