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Health library/Bipolar Disorder

Mental health

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as: Manic depression, Manic-depressive illness

Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and unusually elevated or irritable mood. Changes in energy, judgment and sleep can strongly affect daily life.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Depressive episodes
  • Markedly increased energy
  • Reduced need for sleep during mania
  • Impulsive or risky behavior

Understanding care

Clinical care may include specialist mood assessment and a long-term support and treatment plan. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Seek professional support when symptoms impair functioning or feel unmanageable. Immediate danger, thoughts of acting on self-harm or inability to stay safe requires emergency or local crisis support.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Bipolar Disorder — First AID health library