What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health diagnosis. It suggests that a person experiences major shifts in their mood, energy and activity levels. In particular, it refers to those who experience episodes of very high mood (mania), very low mood (depression) or a mixture of both.

What are mania and depression?

The term mania refers to high mood or irritability, where a person is more talkative and distractible, experiencing racing thoughts and feels less need to sleep. Depression refers to constantly sad mood, often with a loss of interest and pleasure in activities, feelings of worthlessness and low energy.

What are the main difficulties associated with bipolar disorder?

People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can have a range of difficulties. This includes taking unnecessary risks, making unwise decisions, irritability, anxiety, substance use, sleep problems and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. They can also experience problems with money, relationships and employment. On occasion, people may consider themselves well, even though other people have concerns about their wellbeing.

People with a bipolar disorder diagnosis often describe both positive and negative aspects of their moods.

Positive aspects include increased creativity, energy, confidence, productivity and enjoyment.

People with bipolar disorder also sometimes experience “psychosis”. Psychosis is a term used to indicate that somebody is hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not there and/or unusual and distressing beliefs. These experiences are very common in the general population.

How common is Bipolar Disorder?

Over 1 in 100 people receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. This may not take into account the large number of people having trouble with low and high mood not seen by mental health services. Importantly, the difficulties seen in bipolar disorder tend not to be stable, but change over time. They sometimes occur in episodes, which can be months or years apart. Many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder live fulfilling and rewarding lives, and function well in the community.

What causes Bipolar Disorder?

The causes of mood episodes and bipolar disorder are complex, but likely involve a combination of many different factors. In the past, professionals thought that bipolar disorder was a biological condition (i.e. the result of genes and chemicals in the brain). Although biological factors likely play a role, we now know that psychological and social factors are also important. This includes how people respond to their moods, patterns of thinking, distressing memories (e.g. due to childhood trauma or loss), relationships, and self-esteem. There is also good evidence that stressful life events can trigger mood episodes. Other potential triggers for mood episodes include substance use and abruptly stopping prescribed medications.

What are the treatments for bipolar disorder?

Recovery can mean many different things to different people. For some people, it might mean achieving a stable mood over time. For others, it might involve reducing anxiety, returning to work or socialising regularly with friends. It is important to emphasise that recovery from bipolar disorder is possible, particularly with the appropriate support and treatment.

Medication: There are medications that attempt to prevent periods of mania and depression. They are often called mood stabilisers. A common mood stabilising medication is Lithium, which can be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Although many people find mood stabilisers helpful, they can also have side effects. Before starting a new medication, always talk with your psychiatrist, GP and/or pharmacist about possible benefits and side effects.

Psychological interventions: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy. It usually involves up to 25 sessions with a therapist exploring the factors maintaining your difficulties over time. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in people with bipolar disorder. Family therapy is another recommended approach, which involves people working closely with their friends and family. In Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, we also offer a group therapy for bipolar disorder called Mood on Track, which aims to support peoples’ recovery from bipolar disorder.

What can I do to help?

People with bipolar disorder can do many things to help their mood. If you have received this diagnosis it can be helpful to:

  • Learn more about your experiences and mood states.

  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol or taking street drugs.

  • Seek help from friends, family and mental health staff.

  • Take mood stabilising medications as prescribed.

  • Avoid suddenly stopping taking medication and discuss changes with a psychiatrist.

For more information

 Tel: 020 7931 6480

 Tel: 0161 832 3736

 Tel: 0121 533 7007

 Tel: 0300 123 3393

This information is intended as a guide only. If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or another person, you may wish to consult your GP for further advice.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS@lscft.nhs.uk

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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