Bipolar disorder, also sometimes called manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder in which a person exhibits episodes of mania or extreme shifts in mood between depression and manic euphoria. Its extreme shifts in mood, motivation, energy, and functioning can be disabling. There appear to be two types, in which the former features more marked mania. Treatment, in disabling bipolar disorder, is with mood stabilizers (classically, the lithium salts).
In most populations it affects around 1% of the population. Men and women are equally likely to develop this often-disabling illness. The disorder typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood (mean of 21 years of age) and affects sufferers throughout their lifespan. Although traditionally thought of as an adult disorder, there is now recognition that children may also suffer from bipolar disorder.
This refers to the etiology of a spontaneous and primary episode, and the hypothesis that is likely to reoccur with manic or hypomanic symptoms or if diagnosed while manic, depressive symptoms. The causes of a manic episode may also determinable. See manic episode or depressive episode.
Scientists believe that recurring (as opposed to singular non-recurring) bipolar disorder may be caused by a combination of biological and psychological factors. Most commonly the onset of this disorder can be linked to stressful life events. According to the "Kindling theory" and possibly assumed, periods of depression, mania, or "mixed" states of manic (euphoric) and depressive symptoms typically recur and may become more frequent, often disrupting work, school, family, and social life. It is possible to see single occurences of depression and mania which do not recur.
The "kindling" theory suggests that persons who are genetically prone toward bipolar disorder experience a series of stressful events, each of which lowers the threshold at which mood changes occur. Then at some point these mood changes occur spontaneously. The person then "becomes bipolar". This might explain why the cause of bipolar disorder is difficult to pinpoint but is somehow related to genetic and/or genetic and enviromental causes. People can also be "prone" to bipolar disorder after substance abuse, or because of a neurological condition or brain damage. However, if drug abuse can be linked to bipolar symptoms, they may not recur. Adderall and other drugs and amphetamines (including meth) have been cited as producing mania, even if the drug is not in the bloodstream. For such a patient, the euphoria of the Adderall might not wear off as quickly as it may for others. They may exhibit manic symptoms while on the drug.
The NIMH states that anxiety disorders and/or obsessive compulsive disorder (mild or severe) may co-occur with or after an episode. Such disorders are not episodic, so they may persist even when one's mood is stable. They may not respond to the medicine(s) that the bipolar disorder does. If thoughts of self-harm exist, the possibility of anxiety-linked obsessive-compulsive disorder should be explored.
Many artists, musicians, and writers have experienced its mood swings, and some credit the condition with their creativity. However, this disease ruins many lives, and it is associated with a greatly increased risk of suicide. Kay Jamison, who herself is living with bipolar disorder and has written a textbook on bipolar disorder, has also written books that explore this idea.