Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings between severe depression and elation. The manic and depressive episodes can each last anywhere from a few days to a few months. There are a number of conditions across the bipolar disorder spectrum, ranging from Bipolar Disorder I to cyclothymia - where the hypomanic phases are less severe - and so-called "subsyndromal" conditions.
Medication is the main form of treatment for bipolar disorder. Psychological treatments are another vital part of treatment that are used in conjunction with medication. Psychological treatment aims to help people regulate thoughts, emotions and behaviours to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.