The World Health Organization reports that tens of millions of individuals across the globe are living with bipolar disorder. Despite that prevalence, many people still have misconceptions about bipolar disorder, including the notable but false notion that the condition and schizophrenia are one and the same. A greater understanding of bipolar disorder can help the millions of people who have it and may compel others to seek treatment that can be highly effective.

What is bipolar disorder?

The WHO notes bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which mood swings from one extreme to another are the primary characteristic. Bipolar episodes may be manic or depressive, and each has its own unique characteristics. In addition, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that a person with bipolar disorder may experience "mixed" episodes, which include symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes. When a person is having an episode, the symptoms last a week or two, or even longer, and are present every day for most of the day.

What is a manic episode?

A manic episode is characterized by a person experiencing an extremely high mood. The NIMH notes that symptoms of a manic episode may include:

· Feeling very up, high, elated, or extremely irritable or touchy

· Feeling wired and more active than usual

· Racing thoughts

· Feeling a decreased need for sleep

· Speaking rapidly about various subjects, which the NIMH notes can be characterized as "flight of ideas"

· Excessive appetite for food, drinking, sex, or other pleasurable activities

· A feeling that one can do many things at once without growing tired

· Feeling unusually important, talented or powerful

What is a depressive episode?

The WHO notes that a depressive episode is contrary to a manic episode and marked by a depressed mood that makes people feel sad, irritable and/or empty. People experiencing a depressive episode may lack interest in or get little pleasure from activities they previously enjoyed. According to the NIMH, additional symptoms of a depressive episode include:

· Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

· Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much

· Speaking slowly, feeling unable to find anything to say, or frequent bouts of forgetfulness

· Inability to perform even simple tasks

· Feeling hopeless or worthless or thinking about death or suicide

Are symptoms the same for everyone?

The NIMH notes that symptoms of bipolar disorder may be milder for some than others. That's an important distinction, particularly for people with a family history of bipolar disorder. The NIMH notes that the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but research has shown that people with certain genes are more likely to develop the condition than others. But just because a relative exhibited symptoms in a certain way does not mean an individual will show signs in the same way.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will consider the severity, length, and frequency of an individual's symptoms and experiences after conducting a physical exam to rule out other illnesses. A referral to a mental health professional also is standard before a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made.

Bipolar disorder affects tens of millions of people across the globe. Treatment for the condition is highly effective, and individuals exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder are urged to speak with a healthcare professional.