Diseases
bipolar disorder
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Symptoms
- abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
- they may include mania or hypomania and depression.
- symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior
- exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
- either insomnia or sleeping too much
Causes
- biological differences.
- genetics.
Risk factors
- periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one
- having a first-degree relative, as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder
- drug or alcohol abuse.
Diagnosis
- physical exam.
- psychiatric assessment.
- mood charting
- criteria for bipolar disorder.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired, they may include mania or hypomania and depression., symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria), either insomnia or sleeping too much
What causes bipolar disorder?
biological differences.; genetics.
Which medicines are used for bipolar disorder?
asenapine, cariprazine, lamotrigine, lithium, lurasidone, olanzapine, oxcarbazepine, quetiapine, ziprasidone
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