key points about Bipolar Disorder

• Occasionally people can experience a mixture of both highs and lows at the same time, or switch during the day, giving a mixed picture.
• A small number of people with Bipolar Disorder (5%) experience only the 'highs', whereas the vast majority of Bipolar sufferers alternate between highs and lows.
• Some people may only have one episode of mania once a decade, while others may have daily mood swings. For each individual the pattern is quite distinct.
• People with Bipolar Disorder experience normal moods in between their swings.
• Women and men develop Bipolar I Disorder at equal rates while the rate of Bipolar II is somewhat higher in females.
• Bipolar Disorder can commence in childhood, but onset is commoner in the teens or early 20s. Some people develop their first episode in mid-to-late adulthood. Many people go for years before it is accurately diagnosed or treated (see How to tell if you have Bipolar Disorder)
• Women with Bipolar Disorder have a very high chance of a significant mood disturbance both during pregnancy and in the post-partum period - most commonly in the first four weeks. (Most will have a depressive episode, a significant proportion will have highs, and 10% will have mixed highs and lows.)
• With the right treatment, the vast majority of people with Bipolar Disorder are able, to varying extents, to live normal and productive lives.
• Some people with Bipolar Disorder can become suicidal. It is very important that talk of suicide be taken seriously and for such people to be treated immediately by a mental health professional or other appropriate person.