Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings consist of emotional highs (manic or hypomanic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes). There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. People with bipolar disorder often experience decreased quality of life and overall functioning. Among all mental illnesses, bipolar disorder has the highest suicide rate.[1][2][3]
What is bipolar disorder?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. It has 3 main types and is associated with a decreased quality of life and the highest suicide rate among mental illnesses.