Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatments
Updated: 11/6/2025
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Bipolar Disorder Quick Overview
Bipolar disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition that causes intense shifts in mood, sleep, and energy,
People may experience manic episodes, hypomanic episodes (less severe), and depressive episodes.
The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, genetics, environmental factors, and hormonal changes play a role.
Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed in early adulthood and is treated with medication, therapy, and healthy routines.
With support and ongoing care, people with bipolar disorder can live full and meaningful lives.
If you have been recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be wondering, “What exactly is bipolar disorder?” What are the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Many people think it’s just feeling happy one minute and sad the next. But, that is not true. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that changes a person’s energy, mood, and sleep. It causes severe swings in mood. These mood swings may be quite intense and may include lows (depression) and highs (mania or hypomania).
Mood episodes can last days or weeks. The good news is that bipolar disorder is manageable with the right treatment and support.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms usually start when a person is in their mid-20s, but they can appear at any time. Researchers aren’t quite sure what causes bipolar disorder, but they believe that a combination of factors are involved.
Genetics
Bipolar disorder (especially type 1) has a strong genetic component. It is more common in people who have a first-degree relative (such as a parent, child, or sibling) with the condition. However, there are many people who have bipolar and don’t have a close family member with the condition. Therefore, genetics can’t completely explain the risk.
Hormones
Recent studies have shown that women going through perimenopause are 112 times more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during this period may trigger the disorder, especially in women who have a genetic risk.
Environmental Factors
Bipolar disorder has a strong biological basis. However, certain environmental factors may contribute to mood episodes. These include stress, substance use, trauma, hormonal changes, and sleep disruptions. These may not directly cause bipolar disorder, but they do influence mood episodes.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) bipolar criteria include sudden and intense shifts in mood. The mood changes can either result in mania, hypomania or depression. In severe cases, a person may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Bipolar disorder symptoms may include the following:
Mania
Mania is characterized by high levels of energy, creativity, and activity. During mania, a person may feel as though they don’t need to sleep. They will usually have pressured speech and thoughts. A person caught in the grip of mania may feel powerful or grandiose, like a god. They may be restless and impulsive. This can lead to reckless spending sprees and risky behaviors. Mania can be so severe that involuntary hospitalization is required.
Hypomania
Some people with bipolar don’t experience mania, but have hypomania instead. This is characterized by a slightly elevated mood that is not as intense as with mania. A person may still be able to work or go to school with hypomania. They may have difficulty sleeping nad feel restless.
Depression
During a depressive episode, a person may sleep for long periods of time. They may eat more or less than usual. They may feel hopeless or sad. Things like taking a shower or doing normal daily activities may seem almost impossible.
Psychotic Symptoms
It’s not uncommon for people with severe mania or depression to experience psychotic symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. According to a study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry, more than 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder experience these symptoms at some point.
In between mood episodes, a person may have periods where their mood is stable. This is known as having an euthymic mood.
If you are looking for extra support while managing bipolar disorder, consider trying Online Therapy. It offers tools and guidance you can use at your own pace, from the comfort of home.
Types of Bipolar
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar 1- To be diagnosed with this type of bipolar, you must have at least one manic episode that lasts at least a week or is so severe that hospitalization is required. A depressive episode is not required for bipolar 1. However, most people with bipolar 1 have depressive episodes as well.
Bipolar II - People with bipolar II have experienced a major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but they have not experienced a full manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder - Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by a chronic, unstable mood that lasts at least 2 years. However, the symptoms aren’t as severe as with bipolar 1 or II. It’s a milder form of bipolar.
There are other types of bipolar disorder, including substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder, but the above three types are the most commonly diagnosed.
How is Bipolar Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist or another mental health professional. They may run diagnostic tests or labs to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the symptoms. Next, a psychological evaluation is typically performed. The mental health specialist may ask about your symptoms, family history, drug or alcohol use, and other factors. They may also gather collateral information from your family or close friends (with your permission). They will then make a diagnosis based on the information you have provided using the DSM 5 bipolar disorder criteria.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Both bipolar one and two can be quite debilitating. Fortunately, people with bipolar disorder can live a productive, full life with the right support. Treatment helps people with bipolar disorder go to school, work, and be productive. However, many people with bipolar disorder stop taking their medications or drop out of treatment. If this happens, symptoms can return. It’s important to talk to your treatment team if you are experiencing side effects or other issues.
Medications
Medication is typically the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. Bipolar medications may include the following:
Mood stabilizers - Bipolar mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), valproic acid (Depakene) and divalproex sodium (Depakote).
Antipsychotics - Newer options include quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), and olanzapine (Zyprexa). First-generation) antipsychotics are older, but they are still sometimes used, especially for acute symptoms. These include haloperidol and chlorpromazine.
Benzodiazepines - These may be used to help with anxiety and sleep.
Therapy
Along with medications, it is a good idea to participate in bipolar disorder therapy. Talk therapy can help you identify strategies to better manage your symptoms and cope with the disorder.
You do not have to do this alone. Support is available whenever you need it through Online Therapy. Connection and care are just a click away.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT is sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder that doesn’t respond to other treatments. During ECT, a person is given general anesthesia. Then, electrical currents are sent through the brain to induce a seizure. This changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. ECT is also used to help treat catatonia, which can sometimes occur with bipolar disorder.
Self-Care
Self-care is important with bipolar disorder. It can help you better manage symptoms.
Physical movement. Exercise boosts your mood. Studies have shown that people with bipolar who exercise have fewer mood episodes and fewer hospitalizations.
Regular sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep when you are living with bipolar disorder is really important. Poor sleep can trigger manic episodes. Create a relaxing sleep routine that starts about an hour before bedtime. Things you can include in your sleep routine include bedtime yoga, journaling, or deep breathing.
Rely on others for help. It’s okay to rely on someone for help. You can’t face bipolar alone. It’s important to find a community, whether that’s family members or a place of worship.
Join a bipolar disorder group. It’s important to connect with others who get what you are going through. You can look on Facebook or online for a support group. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has both in-person and online support groups.
Always take suicidal thoughts seriously. To get immediate support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Final Thoughts
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. But, now that you know bipolar disorder symptoms and causes, you can seek the right support. Having a solid treatment team is important for anyone living with bipolar. Paying attention to your sleep, exercise, and overall mental health can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What causes bipolar disorder?
There is no one cause of this condition. It’s likely a mix of factors, including genetic, environmental, and medical (hormonal).
Is there a bipolar disorder test?
For a bipolar disorder diagnosis, it’s necessary to visit a mental health specialist or physician trained in this disorder. But, for a self-assessment, you can take our bipolar disorder quiz.
Is bipolar disorder curable?
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but there is treatment. With the right treatment (typically medication + therapy) a person with bipolar disorder can live a happy, full life.
References
Cardiff University. (August 15, 2024). Perimenopause linked with increased risk of bipolar and major depression. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2835386-perimenopause-linked-with-increased-risk-of-mania-and-manic-depression?
Escamilla, M. A., & Zavala, J. M. (April 2022). Genetics of bipolar disorder. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 10(2), 141–152. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.2/maescamilla
American Psychiatric Association. (March 2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5-TR). Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
