Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects your mood. You are likely to go through periods where your mood swings between two extremes:
- mania: feeling very high, restless, and full of energy (a milder form of this is called hypomania)
- depression: feeling very low, drained, and without energy
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
How to get urgent mental health support
Support is available if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or emergency, no matter what you’re going through.
Get urgent mental health support
Speak to your GP practice if you have:
- extreme changes in your moods that last a long time or impact your everyday life
- been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and treatments are not helping (or speak to your mental health specialist if you have one)
If you’re worried about someone else, encourage them to speak to their GP or phone 111 yourself for advice.
Causes
What causes bipolar disorder?
It’s not known exactly what causes bipolar disorder. Many factors may work together to make you more vulnerable to it. This includes:
- chemical imbalances in the brain
- genetics – it can run in families
- stressful life events – like the breakdown of a relationship, problems with money or physical illness
Pregnancy and bipolar disorder
Speak to your healthcare team if you have bipolar disorder and are trying to get pregnant. They’ll help you stay well before, during and after the pregnancy.
Tommy’s have further information on bipolar disorder and:
- planning a pregnancy
- pregnancy
Support with bipolar disorder
Some people with bipolar disorder can talk to family and friends. Other people find it easier to turn to charities and support groups.
Many organisations have support groups. They can put you in touch with other people with the condition. This’ll help you share ideas and may let you see that you’re not alone.
Some organisations also provide online support in forums and blogs.
Looking after your health
Looking after your overall health can help you get more control over your recovery from bipolar disorder.
Do
- try to have a regular routine
- get plenty of sleep
- eat a healthy diet
- exercise regularly
Don’t
- do not take recreational drugs
- do not smoke
- do not drink too much alcohol
- do not do shift work or work very long hours if you can avoid it
- do not fly at night or across time zones if you can avoid it
- do not drink lots of caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea or cola
Diagnosis
Diagnosing bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is common and anyone can develop it.
You should speak to your GP practice if you’re worried you could have symptoms of bipolar disorder. They may refer you to a psychiatrist (a qualified mental health specialist). If you have an appointment with a psychiatrist, you can take someone you trust with you.
The psychiatrist will ask about:
- the type of symptoms you have
- when you first experienced symptoms
- how you’ve felt recently
- your medical background
- your family history
They’ll also ask if you’ve had thoughts about harming yourself.
This will help the psychiatrist decide what treatments are best for you.
Treatment
Most people manage bipolar disorder with a mix of treatments, which may include medicine, talking therapy, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthier diet. The goal of treatment is to make bipolar episodes less frequent and less severe.
Complications
Living with or caring for a friend or family member
Living with or caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be challenging. The person’s behaviour may change and relationships can feel the strain.
You may find it helpful to talk to a support group. You can also contact a counsellor for specialist support, if needed.
Get further information and support from:
- Bipolar Scotland
- Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.