Bipolar Disorder is a disease thought to be caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain. The symptoms and severity of the condition can vary, but with the proper treatment, Bipolar Disorder symptoms can be managed,

People experience different moods throughout their lives. Happiness, anger, and depression are moods most people experience at one time or another. There is a difference between the various moods most people experience and the episodes of “severe mood swings” experienced by people with Bipolar Disorder.

Among the more than five million adults in America who have Bipolar Disorder, these “mood swings” can be extreme or frequent. These changes in mood aren’t as simple as transitioning from “happy” to “sad.” With Bipolar Disorder, symptoms can include both a lowering of mood (depression) and an exaggerated elevation of mood (mania). These changes occur in cycles and are referred to as “episodes.” People with Bipolar Disorder experience extreme mood swings that can take three different forms: manic, depressive, and mixed episodes.

While the causes of Bipolar Disorder are still unknown, the symptoms are thought to be triggered by an imbalance of some key chemicals in the brain. The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells that move a constant stream of information from one cell to another. To keep the information flowing, these cells release chemicals known as “neurotransmitters” that are needed for brain function. Many scientists believe that when the levels of these neurotransmitters are too high or too low, this may result in symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, such as extreme happiness, irritability, sadness, or a lack of energy.

There is nothing specifically that someone does to “get” Bipolar Disorder, nor is it anyone’s fault. Bipolar Disorder is a disease like other diseases that may simply occur in certain people.