Bipolar disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’. Someone with bipolar disorder will have severe mood swings. These usually last several weeks or months and are far beyond what most of us experience. They are:

• Low or depressive
• High or manic
• Mixed

About 1 in every 100 adults has bipolar disorder at some point in their life. It usually starts during or after the teenage years. It is unusual for it to start after the age of 40. Men and women are affected equally. There are different types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I

There has been at least one high, or manic episode, which has lasted for longer than one week.

Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression.

Untreated, manic episodes generally last 3 to 6 months. Depressive episodes last rather longer – 6 to 12 months without treatment.

Bipolar II

There has been more than one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes – these are called ‘hypomania’.

Rapid cycling

More than four mood swings happen in a 12 month period. This affects around 1 in 10 people with bipolar disorder, and can happen with both types I and II.

Cyclothymia

The mood swings are not as severe as those in full bipolar disorder, but can be longer. This can develop into full bipolar disorder.