Bipolar disorder causes episodes of mania or hypomania (high or irritable mood, little need for sleep, racing thoughts) and episodes of depression. Between episodes many people are well. Treatment aims to keep moods stable and catch new episodes early.
See a psychiatrist if mood swings are affecting work, money or relationships. Seek urgent help if the person is not sleeping for days, is behaving dangerously, or talks of suicide.
No. Everyday mood changes last hours. Bipolar episodes last days to weeks and clearly change how a person sleeps, behaves and functions.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every person’s situation is different, so treatment is decided after a consultation.
You can come alone, or with a family member. What you share stays between you and the doctor.