Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which patients can experience periods of elevated mood and depressed mood.¹ A period of elevated mood is known as a manic or hypomanic episode, and a period of depressed mood is known as a depressive episode. Between such episodes, a patient’s mood may return to normal, though they are often unable to perform to the best of their ability.¹

Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, as shown by a risk of suicide that is more than 20 times greater than in the general population.² Around a third of patients with bipolar disorder have attempted suicide during their lifetime.³

Manic symptoms and depressive symptoms are polar opposites, hence the name ‘bipolar disorder’.

• Manic or hypomanic episode¹ – a person experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode will seem abnormally cheerful and full of energy. They may be extremely talkative and say things like, ‘I feel on top of the world.’ They may become obsessed with one particular activity, such as writing a novel, or it may seem that their thoughts are racing and that they are easily distracted. The person may sleep little, if at all. They may engage in risky activities, such as spending sprees, sexual promiscuity, or foolish business investments. The person may become irritable, and in some cases it is necessary to admit them to hospital. The symptoms may last for a week or more.

• Depressive episode¹ – a person experiencing a depressive episode will have a very low mood and is likely to lose interest in, or be unable to get pleasure from, almost all activities. They may feel sad, empty, and hopeless for a period of several weeks, affecting their ability to work and interact with others.

There are different types of bipolar disorder, depending on the presence and severity of manic and depressive symptoms.¹ In most cases, patients will experience both types of episode.¹

Worldwide, 46 million people suffer from bipolar disorder,⁴ a roughly equal number of men and women.¹ Bipolar disorder commonly emerges during adolescence, with 76% of sufferers having their first symptoms before the age of 21 years.⁵ Most people experience multiple episodes during their lifetime, with roughly one in four treated patients having a recurrence each year.⁶

Bipolar disorder has a negative impact on employment prospects, work performance, and work attendance.⁷ A global survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that people with bipolar disorder miss an average of 17 days of work or activities per year.⁸ According to the WHO, bipolar disorder is the 12th leading cause of moderate-to-severe disability worldwide.⁹

People who are concerned that they – or their loved ones – are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder should see their doctor for help and advice. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed using patient interviews, and may involve discussions with loved ones.¹⁰ Bipolar disorder is commonly misdiagnosed, despite numerous assessment scales that can be used to help identify the symptoms.¹¹ In one survey, 69% of patients had been misdiagnosed at least once, most commonly as having depression, and it can be many years before the correct diagnosis is made.¹²

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent, lifelong illness. Once a diagnosis is made, a combination of medication and psychosocial therapy is usually recommended.¹⁰ Depending on whether the patient is having a manic or depressive episode, different treatments are required.¹⁰