A chronic mental health disorder characterised by periods of mania/hypomania alongside episodes of depression

Epidemiology

• typically develops in the late teen years
• lifetime prevalence: 2%

Two types of bipolar disorder are recognised:

• type I disorder: mania and depression (most common)
• type II disorder: hypomania and depression

Risk factors:

• Family Hx of bipolar
• Onset of mood disorder prior to 20yrs of age
• stressful life events
• Hx of depression
• Lifetime history of substance misuse disorder
• presence of anxiety disorder

PC

• No substance abuse, underlying medical cause or due to medication