UNDERSTANDING BIPOLAR DISORDER

WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration

The subject in this photo is a model for illustrative purposes only.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that can cause 

unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. 

These shifts range from highs (manic episodes) to 

lows (depressive episodes). About 5.7 million American 

adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

Anyone can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder at any 

age, but most people are diagnosed in their teens or 

twenties. Other risk factors include: 

• A family history of bipolar disorder 

• Experiencing a traumatic event

• Drug or alcohol misuse

Bipolar disorder can have a serious effect on a person’s 

life, making it difficult to keep to a schedule, work, and 

maintain relationships. Bipolar mood swings can also 

affect sleep patterns, as well as judgment and behaviors.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Sometimes, during a severe manic 

or depressive episode, a person may 

experience psychosis—difficulty 

determining what is real, or not. They 

may also experience hallucinations—

when someone sees, hears, or senses 

something that does not exist.

Also, people with bipolar disorder 

may change their view of treatment 

as their moods change. During a 

manic phase, they may believe they 

do not need medications and stop 

taking them. 

Signs of a manic episode 

may include: 

• Feeling euphoric, 

intensely excited, 

or happy

• Having more energy 

than usual

• Insomnia

• Speaking fast about 

several things at once 

• Having jumbled thoughts

• Doing uncharacteristic/

risky things 

Signs of a depressive 

episode may include: 

• Feeling hopeless

• Having little energy

• Sleeping too much 

or too little

• Eating too much 

or too little

• Thoughts of death 

and/or suicide
TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDERS

There are several types of bipolar disorder. All of them include periods of highs and lows; 

the major difference is how extreme the mood swings are and how long they last. In all 

types, there are periods between manic or depressive episodes when symptoms lessen.

• Bipolar I Disorder: People with bipolar I disorder have 

chronic mood swings that go from very high manic states to 

severe depressive episodes.

• Bipolar II Disorder: People with bipolar II disorder experience 

mood swings that go from high to low, but the highs are less 

extreme and are called hypomanic states. The depressive 

episodes may be just as severe as those in bipolar I disorder.

• Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder, 

people have chronic mood swings between highs and lows 

that are less frequent and severe, and of shorter length than 

bipolar I or bipolar II.

TREATMENT

Early, accurate diagnosis can help people manage the disorder 

better. While bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, it is treatable 

with medications, as well as therapy. 

• Medication: Bipolar disorder is treated using different 

types of medications to help control symptoms, including 

mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. 

People with bipolar disorder should talk with their doctor 

to understand the risks and benefits of the medication 

they are taking and report any concerns right away. They 

should never stop taking medication without first 

consulting with their doctor.

• Psychotherapy: Therapy is an important part of treatment. 

It helps people with bipolar disorder accept their illness, 

cope with the stresses that can trigger their symptoms, 

and follow a medication schedule. Therapy also helps 

people recognize the warning signs of a manic or 

depressive episode before it happens. 

The subject in this photo is a model for illustrative purposes only.

NEED HELP OR MORE INFORMATION?

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, these resources can help. Visit SAMHSA’s Early Serious Mental 

Treatment Locator and Behavioral Health Treatment Locator at SAMHSA.gov. Or, call SAMHSA’s National 

Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD).

Learn more at SAMHSA.gov/Serious-Mental-Illness

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration