What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder or Manic depression is a mental health illness characterised by mood swings that are intense.

Symptoms

• Periods of depression or low mood
• Periods of mania or elevated mood

Types of bipolar disorder

There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.

Bipolar I

Encounter at least one manic period. Before and after the manic period, you may encounter hypomanic episodes or serious depression period. People of both sexes are affected equally by this form of bipolar illness.

Bipolar II

Encounter major depressive period that lasts at least 2 weeks. Women may be more prone to this kind of bipolar illness.

Cyclothymia

Having periods of hypomania (a mental and behavioural disorder) and depression. They involve symptoms that are shorter and less severe than the mania and depression caused by bipolar I and bipolar II orders.