Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme changes in mood from high to low, and from low to high. Highs are periods of mania , while lows are periods of depression. The changes in mood may even become mixed, so you might feel elated and depressed at the same time. A study found that 2. Women are more likely to receive bipolar diagnoses than men, though the reason for this remains unclear. The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are varied.

However, when Bipolar Disorder develops in childhood or early adolescence, it is known as an early-onset form of the mental illness. Because, generally, the typical onset for this mental illness is 25 years of age. Bipolar can begin in childhood and develop as late as 40 years of age. Bipolar is a mood disorder, meaning that of all the psychological illness, it is a disorder that affects mood, emotions, and perception. Characteristic of this disorder is a swing in moods from depression to mania.

Patients may be accompanied by visitors. Read our updated visitor policy. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic—depressive illness, is a medical condition that causes a person to experience intense mood swings that alternate between depression and mania.

This fact sheet offers young adults information on living with bipolar disorder. It discusses causes of bipolar disorder, and approaches to treatment. This fact sheet provides an overview of bipolar disorder among youth and young adults.