- Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that causes a person to cycle through periods of depression and elevated mood.
- Bipolar disorder typically consists of three states:
- a high state, called mania
- a low state, called depression
- a well state, during which many people feel normal and function well.
- All people experience emotional ups and downs, but the mood swings for people with bipolar disorder are often more extreme.
- Bipolar disorder is not caused by bad parenting, childhood trauma, poverty, street drugs or alcohol, although stress and using drugs can sometimes make symptoms worse.
- Bipolar disorder is no one’s fault; bipolar disorder is a treatable illness.
For more basic facts about Bipolar Disorder and how it can impact daily life, please see the “Bipolar Disorder Resources” node that follows.