As anyone who has interacted with someone with bipolar disorder can tell you, it is a very serious affliction—one that can dramatically impact a person’s quality of life. What exactly bipolar disorder is, the symptoms it causes, and how to identify an individual suffering from them, is quite important. But what exactly is bipolar disorder? How do you handle it?

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorders – plural – is actually more accurate, as the term bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, refers to one of a few types of brain disorder. All bipolar disorders are characterized by mood episodes, or more specifically periods of manic, high-energy states followed by periods of often debilitating depression.

During periods of mania the afflicted person may exhibit high energy and elevated moods, which can characterize as elation, anger, recklessness, and other “energetic” states—usually these are in excess, whether the mood is inherently positive or negative. During depressive episodes, the person can experience debilitating levels of depression including an inability to function normally, either socially or in the workplace.

It’s important to note that someone with bipolar disorder won’t necessarily cycle between manic and depressive states with consistency. Many individuals can experience multiple manic states, or can even experience a manic and depressive state simultaneously.

Most sufferers of bipolar disorder to experience “middle” moods, where they may function completely normally for days, even weeks at a time.

The three major and most recognized types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I Disorder – Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by extended periods of mania and depression, often each mood episode lasting weeks at a time. The “high” and “low” states can be extremely pronounced, even to the point of needing immediate medical care or leading to psychosis.
Bipolar II Disorder – Often those suffering from Bipolar II Disorder will experience less severe manic states – hypomania – and similar depressive episodes to Bipolar I. In many cases for Bipolar II the depressive states will be far more debilitating, and are often what causes a person to seek medical or mental care at first.
Cyclothymic Disorder – This is defined as prolonged episodes of hypomania and depressive states cycling for 2 years or longer—though symptoms are often less severe, the sheer consistency of the mood episodes can make cyclothymic disorder debilitating, as many sufferers can go months without a “neutral” state.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorders are very serious business if left unhandled, as they can easily cause a person to engage in reckless behaviors spurred by either a manic or depressive state. Luckily, however, bipolar disorder is treatable. Provided the person recognizes that they have a condition, medication – most commonly a combination of mood stabilizers – and psychotherapy or talk therapy can keep mood episodes under control and in check.

Do note that bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be completely controlled. It is strongly recommended that treatments should continue indefinitely. Symptoms can come and go—they can even go for months or years at a time, but maintaining consistency is always healthiest.

Nearly 3% of the United States population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The illness, in other words, is quite common. If you suspect a family member, friend, or peer may be wrestling with these sorts of issues—bipolar disorders, depression, anxiety—help them to understand! Mental illnesses are real, they are debilitating—but they can be treated and handled.