Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood-stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Read more: Bipolar Disorder ArticleMultimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
ADHD/ADD in Adults: Symptoms & Treatments in Pictures
Most people don't associate adults with the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) but it is a common disorder in...
-
Bipolar Disorder (Mania) Quiz: Test Your Emotional Wellness IQ
Who is at risk for developing bipolar disorder? Are you? Take this Bipolar Disorder Quiz to learn more about bipolar disorder, if...
-
Depression Quiz: Signs & Symptoms
Many people do not recognize the symptoms and warning signs of depression and depressive disorders in children and adults. With...
-
Happiness Quiz: Positive Attitude
Take the Happiness Quiz! Plenty of people live in pleasant, fulfilling satisfaction. Is it sex or money that factors into happier...
-
Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment
What is schizophrenia? Learn about schizophrenia symptoms, signs, and treatment. Read about schizophrenia types such as paranoid...
-
Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Testing for Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder (once called manic depression) causes extreme mood shifts and can be disorienting. Our experts define bipolar...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Genetic Disease (List, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Prognosis)
The definition of a genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Some types of...
-
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and...
-
Mania vs. Hypomania
Mania is an episode of irritable or euphoric mood and heightened energy that typically lasts a week and severely affects the...
-
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems,...
-
Stress
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However,...
-
Depression
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...
-
Bipolar Depression
Second Source article from WebMD...
-
Bipolar II Disorder
Second Source article from WebMD...
-
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...
-
Bipolar Disorder
Second Source article from Government...
-
Symptoms of 12 Serious Diseases and Health Problems
Learn how to recognize early warning signs and symptoms of serious diseases and health problems, for example, chronic cough,...
-
Depression
Second Source article from Government...
-
Sleep Disorders (How to Get a Good Night's Sleep)
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep...
-
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to...
-
Mental Illness
Mental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influence the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or...
-
Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
About 2%-6% of adults have ADHD, a common behavioral problem. Symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention....
-
Suicide
Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year,...
-
Childhood ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes the following symptoms in children: excessive activity, problems...
-
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or SEID)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) is a debilitating and complex disorder...
-
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep....
-
Drug Abuse
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and...
-
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions....
-
Depression in Children
Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include...
-
Insomnia (Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, and Cures)
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up...
-
Misophonia
Misophonia is defined as the hatred of sound. Symptoms of this condition include a negative emotional response to certain trigger...
-
Gambling Addiction
Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects millions in the U.S. Symptoms and signs include a preoccupation with gambling,...
-
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that features schizophrenia and a mood disorder, either major depression or bipolar...
-
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. Different types of psychotic disorders include...
-
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal...
-
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes...
-
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has many symptoms, signs, and causes. Therapy is one treatment option for antisocial...
-
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term mental illness that features psychotic symptoms. There are three forms of brief...
-
Phobias
Phobias are unrelenting fears of activities (social phobias), situations (agoraphobia), and specific items (arachnophobia). There...
-
Mental Health
Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under...
-
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that tends to occur as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. Symptoms...
-
Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a condition that causes a person to feel as if he or she is awake but is unable to move. Lack of sleep, sleep...
-
Bipolar Disorder vs. Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are mental illnesses that share some risk factors and treatments. Symptoms of bipolar disorder...
-
Khat
Khat (Abyssinian tea, African salad, oat, kat, chat, and catha) is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the...
-
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a disorder that causes unusual and extreme mood changes. Symptoms of bipolar...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Fatigue, Tiredness, and Lethargy
- Poor Hygiene
- Mood Swings
- Altered Mental Status
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Loss of Speech
- Unusual Behavior
- Euphoria
- Vocal Outbursts
- Self-Neglect
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inability to Regulate Emotions
- Lack of Facial Expressions
- Catatonia (Catatonic Behavior)
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Delusions
- Bipolar Disorder
- Distractibility
- Suicide
- How to Choose a Doctor
- Mania
- Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor's Appointment
- Bipolar Disorder, Living With
Medications & Supplements
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Antidepressants (Depression Medications)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Anxiolytics (for Anxiety) Drug Class Side Effects
- bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Aplenzin, Fortivo XL, Zyban)
- duloxetine, Cymbalta
- citalopram, Celexa
- venlafaxine, Effexor XR (Effexor has been discontinued in the US)
- valproic acid, divalproex, Depakote, Depakote Sprinkle, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon, Stavzor
- aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristrada)
- Phenothiazine Antipsychotics
- ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- risperidone, Risperdal; Risperdal Consta, Risperdal M-TAB
- fluoxetine, Prozac, Sarafem, Prozac Weekly
- paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- olanzapine, Zyprexa, Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv
- topiramate, Topamax, Qudexy XR, Topamax Sprinkle, Topiragen, Trokendi XR
- lamotrigine, Lamictal, Lamictal CD, Lamictal ODT, Lamictal XR
- doxepin (Sinequan and Adapin are discontinued brand in the US; Silenor)
- quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)
- lithium, Lithobid
- oxcarbazepine - oral, Trileptal
- Medicines that Cause Depression
- ziprasidone (Geodon)
- carbamazepine, Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol, Epitol, Teril
- lurasidone hydrochloride (Latuda)
- paliperidone (Invega)
- brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
- trifluoperazine (Stelazine, discontinued)
- oxcarbazepine suspension - oral, Trileptal
- asenapine (Saphris)
Prevention & Wellness
- In West Virginia, Few Opioid OD Survivors Get Good Follow-Up Care: Study
- Research on Almost 2,000 Brains Brings Insight Into Mental Illness
- Is a Haywire Body Clock Tied to Mood Disorders?
- Is Evolution of the Human Brain to Blame for Some Mental Disorders?
- Demi Lovato in Hospital After Drug Overdose
- Nitrates in Meat May Be Tied to Mania: Study
- Massive Study Finds Same Genes Drive Many Psychiatric Conditions
- Does Mental Illness Raise Diabetes Risk?
- Mariah Carey Reveals Battle with Bipolar Disorder
- Genes May Explain Why Some Don't Respond to Bipolar Drug
- Daily 'Light Therapy' May Help Some With Bipolar Disorder
- Nearly 10 Million U.S. Adults Suffer From Mental Illness
- Heart Risks to Fetus From Bipolar Drug May Be Lower Than Thought
- Chronic Pain Common in Adults With Depression, Anxiety
- What You Need to Know About Antidepressants
- 1st Drug for Tardive Dyskinesia Approved
- Drinking, Drug Abuse Doubles Veterans' Suicide Risk: Study
- Brain Scans May Shed Light on Bipolar Disorder-Suicide Risk
- Many With Mental Illness Miss Out on HIV Tests
- Actress Debbie Reynolds Dies 1 Day After Daughter Carrie Fisher's Death
- Actress Carrie Fisher Dies at 60
- 1 in 6 U.S. Adults Takes a Psychiatric Drug: Study
- Demi Lovato Wants to Change the Face of Mental Illness
- Troubled Childhood May Boost Bipolar Risk: Study
- U.S. Psychiatric Patients Face Long Waits in ERs
- Are Some Blood Pressure Meds Linked to Depression, Bipolar Risk?
- Homeless, Mentally Ill Youth Benefit From Housing Program
- Kids With Bipolar Disorder More Likely to Abuse Drugs, Alcohol: Study
- Bipolar Diagnosis May Take Up to 6 Years
- 'Managing' Elderly Patients Without Powerful Antipsychotics
- Can Comedy Kill?
- Can Trauma Trigger Violent Crime in Mentally Ill?
- Opioid Painkillers Raise Deadly Heart Risks for Some: Study
- Mentally Ill Still Gain Illegal Possession of Guns, Study Shows
- Pain, Epilepsy Drug Lyrica May Increase Birth Defects Risk, Study Suggests
- Lithium Beats Newer Meds for Bipolar Disorder, Study Finds
- Do Genes Help Determine Your Education Level?
- Depressive Episode May Not Always Follow Mania in Bipolar Disorder
- Study Sees No Link Between Common Epilepsy Drug, Certain Birth Defects
- Study Links Child Abuse, Neglect to Earlier Onset of Bipolar Disorder
- Mental Disorders Increasing for Younger Smokers
- Brain Wiring Changes Might Help Guard Against Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD Meds May Raise Risk for Psychotic Side Effects in Some Kids: Study
- Certain Antidepressants May Be Linked to Bipolar Disorder: Study
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Play Role in Bipolar Disorder: Study
- Could Your 'Holiday Blues' Be Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- People With Schizophrenia Face Much Higher Risk of Early Death
- Research Gives Clues to Why Some Benefit More From Drug for Bipolar Disorder
- Standby Drug for Adult Bipolar Disorder May Be Safe, Effective in Children
- Vraylar Approved for Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
- Brain Scans May Take Guesswork Out of Schizophrenia Treatment
- Mentally Ill Inmates Prone to Violence After Release: Study
- Can What You Eat Affect Your Mental Health?
- Omega-3s May Protect Against Psychosis
- Are Too Many Young Americans Getting Antipsychotics for ADHD?
- Brains of Teens With Bipolar Disorder Develop Differently: Study
- Demi Lovato Gets Vocal About Mental Illness
- First Generic Abilify Approved
- 1 in 10 Americans Has Anger Issues and Access to Guns: Survey
- Mental Illness, Homelessness Linked to Heart Disease in Study
- Parent's Suicide Attempt Makes Child's Much More Likely: Study
- Abnormalities Found in Brains of Young Bipolar Patients Who Try Suicide
- When Depression Becomes Deadly
- App for Bipolar Disorder Being Tested
- Scientists Use Stem Cells to Study Bipolar Disorder
- Psychiatric Ills Widespread Among U.S. Soldiers: Studies
- Many Bipolar Patients Take Multiple Psychiatric Meds
- Bipolar Disorder Drug May Need Adjusting in Pregnancy, Study Finds
- Crestor Tops List of Best-Selling Drugs
- Smoking in Pregnancy May Be Tied to Bipolar Disorder in Adult Offspring: Study
- Depression May Be Worse When Accompanied by Anger, Irritability
- Antipsychotic Drugs May Triple Kids' Diabetes Risk, Study Suggests
- Genetic Overlap Seen in Five Mental Disorders
- U.S. Troops' Suicide Risk Tied to Mental Illness, Not Combat: Study
- Bipolar Disorder May Vary Depending on Weight, Eating Disorders
- Mental Illness Can Shorten Lives, Studies Show
- Older, Cheap Drug May Cut Suicide Risk for People With Mood Disorders
- Latest Edition of Psychiatry's 'Bible' Launched Amid Controversy
- Study Sees Link Between Mom's Flu, Bipolar Risk for Children
- Bipolar Disorder Drugs May 'Tweak' Genes Affecting Brain
- Google Search Trends Suggest Mental Woes Vary by Seasons
- Mental Illness a Frequent Cell Mate for Those Behind Bars
- Antipsychotic Drug Use Rising for Kids on Medicaid, Study Finds
- Antipsychotic Meds Not That Helpful for Depression: Study
- Mental Illness May Raise Risk of Being Murdered
- Shared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and Depression
- Brain Scans Might Help Spot Risk for Bipolar Disorder
- Asperger's and Violence: Experts Weigh In
- Experimental Antidepressant Appears Quick-Acting, Safe
- Mood-Altering Medications Not Overused in Teens
- Long-Term Use of Some Antipsychotics Not Warranted in Older Adults: Study
- Pregnant Women With Bipolar Disorder May Have Higher Risk of Premature Birth
- More Evidence Linking Creativity, Mental Illness
- More U.S. Kids Prescribed Off-Label Antipsychotics: Study
- Could Food Flavors Act Like Mood-Stabilizing Drugs?
- More Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD: Study
- More Drug Trials Needed for Conditions Affecting Kids: Review
- Serious Mental Illness Tied to Higher Cancer, Injury Risk: Studies
- Family History of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder May Up Kids' Risk for Autism
- Antipsychotic Drugs Linked to Higher Odds for Diabetes in Pregnancy
- Dangerous Rage May Be Common Among U.S. Teens
- Many Primary Care Docs Don't Know Long-Term Effects of Chemo: Survey
- New Clues to Schizophrenia
- Children Usually Excluded From Clinical Drug Trials: Study
- Researchers ID Genes That May Determine Mental Illness
- Prenatal Antipsychotic Drugs Linked to Motor Delays: Study
- 'Parent Training' May Help Kids With Autism Behave Better
- Prescription Meds Can Put on Unwanted Pounds
- Bipolar Drug May Spur Weight Gain, Thyroid Problems: Review
- Study Looks at Deep Brain Stimulation in Bipolar Patients
- Psych Episode Near Childbirth May Presage Bipolar Disorder
- Some Fish Oil Supplements Fishy on Quality
- Bipolar Kids May Focus on Different Facial Features
- Facebook: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
- Deadliest Psychiatric Disorder: Anorexia
- FDA Reports Requip, Risperdal Medication Errors
- Study: Mental Health Is Top Concern for Youth
- Study: Low Birth Defect Risk From Newer Epilepsy Drugs
- Catherine Zeta-Jones Treated for Bipolar Disorder
- Treating Depressed Moms Helps Kids' Depression
- Bipolar Disorder Often Untreated
- New Birth Defect Warning for Topamax
- Charlie Sheen Substance Abuse: FAQ
- Antipsychotics in Pregnancy Risky for Newborns
- Study: Newer Antipsychotic Drugs Are Overused
- SAM-e May Boost Effects of Antidepressants
- FDA Warns Lamictal Can Cause Meningitis
- Study: No Proof of Epilepsy Drug Suicide Risk
- Anesthetic Shows Promise for Bipolar Disorder
- Epilepsy Drugs for Bipolar Disorder: Fewer Suicides?
- Bipolar Disorder Might Be Overdiagnosed
- Depression Symptoms in Men
- Rehab's Role in Treating Addiction
- Obesity Linked with Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Suicide: Recognizing the Signs of Suicide
- Dementia Patients On Antipsychotic Meds At Risk
- ADHD or Bipolar Disorder?
- Schizophrenia, Depression & Bipolar Disorder: Gene Hunting
- Bipolar Disorder: Two-Sided Trouble
- Antipsychotic Medications
From 
Bipolar Disorder Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.