Bipolar Disorders

The bipolar disorders are a group of severe mood disorders that together afflict about 3% of the global population. They are characterized by the presence of both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. They are divided into type I disorder, which is defined by the occurrence of severe manic episodes; type II disorder in which the depressive episode occurs with hypomania but not mania; and cyclothymia, in which subsyndromal hypomanic and depressions are present. These disorders are highly familial but environmental factors are also important. Comorbidity with medical and psychiatric conditions, particularly alcohol use disorder, is common. Treatments include the use of mood stabilizers such as lithium and some anticonvulsants. The use of agents such as antipsychotics and antidepressants are common. Prognosis is guarded for many, but for some patients there is restitutio ad integrum between episodes, and some are highly creative and productive.