What is Bipolar disorder?

Zee Media Bureau/Liji Varghese

New Delhi: Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. It can set in at the age of 15-25 affecting men and women equally. Due to the extreme and rapid mood swings between mania and depression, BD was formerly known as manic depression.

Classed into three categories – Bipolar I (cycle between mania and depression), Bipolar II (cycles between hypomania and depression), cyclothymia cycles (episodes of recurrent hypomanic and dysthymic); the risk of BD is higher in people having a family history.

Manic and depressed phase of bipolar disorder include following symptoms:

a) Lack of self control, poor temper, reckless behaviour

b) Trouble sleeping, eating

c) Easily distracted, difficulty in remembering, making decisions

d) May show hyperactivity, prolonged fatigue

e) Poor judgement, agitated and irritated

f) Withdrawal into seclusion accompanied by suicidal thoughts