The illness is characterised by episodes of mania and depression. In mania, most patients experience overcheerfulness, oversocialization, excessive goal directed activity (shopping, charity, gambling, promiscuity, religiosity) reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts and inflated self-esteem. On the other hand, depressive episodes are characterised by low mood, reduced physical and mental energy, inability to derive pleasure in hobbies and enjoyable tasks, bleak pessimistic ideas about self, future and surroundings, suicidal thoughts and low self-esteem.
Bipolar disorder happens because of imbalance of serotonin, adrenaline, noradrenaline and some other neurotransmitters in the brain.
The disorder has a very effective treatment available which restricts the episodes and improves the quality of life.