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Queensland Government
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Queensland Health
Health services > Mental health

What is Bipolar Disorder



Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness characterised by episodes of abnormal and persistent elated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania), possibly with depressive episodes at times.

It is also known as Bipolar Mood Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder and previously as Manic-Depression.
Psychotic features can be present at times, such as hearing voices or delusional beliefs, which are typically in keeping with their current mood state.  For example, in a depressive episode, the sufferer may believe they have significant physical health problems, reasons to be guilty, or that they are poverty-stricken.  Whereas in a manic episode, they might think they have great wealth, special powers or a special mission.

The presence of psychotic symptoms is in common with psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia; therefore, it can be hard to distinguish between such conditions, especially in adolescents and young adults in early diagnosis.  Diagnoses are sometimes changed over time as symptoms progress.

Some people with bipolar disorder do not experience depressive episodes, only the episodes of elation and excitement.
 More information on bipolar disorders can be found at the following websites:
  • Beyondblue URL - provides information to find out about bipolar and depression and get an understanding of the illness.
  • Bipolar Disorder URL - contains stories from people living with bipolar disorder.
  • Sane Australia URL - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.
  • Black Dog Institute URL - an educational, research and clinical facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders, as well as resources and information for consumers and the general community.
     
Remember, you should seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.  For general health information, referral & teletriage services call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for the cost of a local call.

Call 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84 (local call cost)

 

 

Fact: The cause of Bipolar disorder is approximately 50% attributable to genes and 50% to environmental factors

Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional,mental health service,your GP or health provider when problems arise


Last Updated: 20 September 2011
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2008