Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders are brain disorders that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood). People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different diagnoses:

• Bipolar I
• Bipolar II
• Clothymic disorder