Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by intense shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania, which are periods of elevated, expansive or irritable mood, accompanied by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and often reckless or impulsive behavior. These manic episodes can alternate with periods of depression, during which the individual may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that affects both men and women equally and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can also develop in childhood or later in life.

While the precise cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder, which are differentiated by the pattern and severity of the episodes of mood disturbance:

Bipolar I Disorder: This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder and is characterised by at least one manic episode that lasts for at least one week or requires hospitalisation. The manic episode may be accompanied by depressive or hypomanic episodes. Individuals with bipolar I disorder may also experience psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.

Bipolar II Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of major depression and hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania and is characterised by a period of elevated or irritable mood that lasts for at least four days but does not cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Cyclothymic Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder and is characterised by chronic fluctuations in mood that alternate between periods of hypomania and mild depression. The mood changes in cyclothymic disorder are less severe than those seen in bipolar I and II disorders but can still interfere with an individual's daily life.

It is worth noting that there is also a category of bipolar disorder called "other specified bipolar and related disorders," which includes subtypes that do not fit into the above three categories but still involve recurrent mood episodes. It is important to note that the diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be complex and should only be made by a qualified mental health professional.

Mania and hypomania are both elevated mood states but they differ in terms of severity and duration.

Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, energy, and activity levels that significantly interfere with a person's ability to function. Mania typically requires medical attention and hospitalisation. The symptoms of mania usually last for at least one week and can include:

• Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem

• Decreased need for sleep

• Racing thoughts or a flight of ideas

• Increased talkativeness

• Distractibility or difficulty focusing

Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with a high risk of negative consequences (such as reckless spending or sexual behavior)

An example of mania might be a person who suddenly quits their job, drains their bank account to go on a spontaneous trip around the world, and begins to feel like they have special powers or a divine mission.

Hypomania, on the other hand, is a milder form of mania that does not necessarily cause significant impairment in daily functioning or require hospitalisation. The symptoms of hypomania usually last for at least four days and can include:

• Elevated or expansive mood

• Increased energy or activity

• Racing thoughts or a flight of ideas

• Increased talkativeness

• Decreased need for sleep

• Increased self-confidence

• Increased creativity

An example of hypomania might be a person who suddenly decides to start a new business venture, works long hours without feeling tired, and comes up with many new ideas and plans.

The treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, but the specific treatment plan may vary based on the individual's symptoms and the severity of the condition. Some of the current evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder are:

Medications: Mood stabilisers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics, are the primary medications used to treat bipolar disorder. These medications help to regulate mood and prevent episodes of mania or depression.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT, and psychodynamic psychotherapy can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, and learn coping skills.

Family-focused therapy: Family-focused therapy (FFT) is a type of psychotherapy that involves family members in the treatment process. FFT can help to improve communication and reduce family stress, which may contribute to the person's symptoms.

Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their emotions and reduce stress.

Electroconvulsive therapy: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain to treat severe depression or mania. ECT is generally reserved for people with bipolar disorder (among other conditions) who have not responded to other treatments.

It is important to note that treatment for bipolar disorder may take time and require some trial and error to find the best combination of medication and therapy. People with bipolar disorder should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalised treatment plan that meets their individual needs. It is important to establish good relationships with your mental health team which should ideally include your GP, psychiatrist, and psychologist, maintaining regular contact with each so that symptoms can be objectively monitored and treatments tailored to your specific needs.