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Bipolar Disorder
Extreme mood swings between mania and depression
Overview
Bipolar disorder causes shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Episodes of mania (or hypomania) alternate with depressive episodes.
First Steps
- 1Track moods daily in a journal or app — patterns are easier to see in hindsight.
- 2Maintain a consistent sleep schedule — sleep disruption is a major trigger for manic episodes.
- 3Seek psychiatric evaluation — bipolar disorder is commonly misdiagnosed as unipolar depression.
Symptoms
Manic episodes
commonIncreased energy, euphoria, risky behaviour, little need for sleep
Depressive episodes
commonHopelessness, low energy, sleep problems
Mixed episodes
occasionalFeatures of both mania and depression simultaneously
Interventions & Treatments
Mood Stabilizers
Most evidence-backed optionLithium and anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, valproate).
How it works
Lithium and anticonvulsants reduce the frequency and severity of both manic and depressive episodes. Lithium is also the only psychiatric medication with strong evidence for reducing suicide risk.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Most evidence-backed optionSecond-generation antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole).
How it works
Treats acute mania and can prevent episode recurrence as maintenance therapy. Often combined with mood stabilizers.
Psychotherapy
Most evidence-backed optionPsychoeducation, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal/social rhythm therapy.
How it works
Helps stabilize daily routines (sleep, meals, activity), recognize early warning signs of episodes, and improve medication adherence.
Research cited
- [1]NICE Guideline CG185: Bipolar Disorder — Assessment and ManagementNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence(2014)medical guideline
- [2]CANMAT and ISBD 2018 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Bipolar DisorderYatham LN et al.(2018)medical guideline
- [3]Lithium in the Prevention of Suicide in Mood Disorders: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisCipriani A et al.(2013)review
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Medical Disclaimer
This is a research summary, not medical advice. Body Signals is an independent research digest — it summarises published research for informational purposes and is not a healthcare provider. Mental health care works best with a qualified provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Canada and US). For text-only crisis support: text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, US) or CONNECT to 686868 (Kids Help Phone, Canada). Canadian LGBTQ+ youth can reach LGBT Youth Line 1-800-268-9688 or Trans Lifeline 1-877-330-6366; US LGBTQ+ youth can reach the Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386. In an emergency, call 911. Evidence ratings for mental health interventions default to B (standard clinical treatments with established research); individual response varies.
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