Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by episodes of extremely elevated and depressed emotion. Bipolar disorder is a brain illness commonly treated with psychotropic medication, like mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications (Can You Manage Bipolar Disorder Without Medication?).

Many people with bipolar disorder will always require medication management of their illness. However, there are natural bipolar treatments that make use of techniques outside of pharmacological drugs. These natural bipolar treatments can be used with or without bipolar medication, but no changes should be made to any treatment plan without first consulting a doctor.

How to Treat Bipolar Without Medication: Therapy

For many, therapy is important in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar therapy may be short-term or ongoing, but either way it allows for the treatment of bipolar disorder without medication. Key to any therapy is finding a qualified therapist experienced in the desired type of therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular short-term option. CBT teaches skills to deal with and challenge everyday thoughts and assumptions. CBT attempts to change thought patterns as a treatment of bipolar without medication.

Interpersonal psychotherapy is also medication-free. Psychotherapy may be time-consuming but can be very helpful for those with longstanding personal issues that are contributing to unstable mental health. Psychotherapy delves deeply into personal issues and is usually done individually with a qualified psychotherapist.

Light is a Natural Mood Stabilizer / Antidepressant

Many people have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD produces mood swings based on the amount of available sunlight, typically depression in the winter, when light is low. SAD is often treated with artificial sunlight (light therapy).

Research now suggests light therapy is also useful in bipolar disorder depression, even without a seasonal component. This natural bipolar treatment uses a dawn simulator and a light box to manipulate the amount of light received by the patient. Use of a light box requires a strict schedule so light is always administered at the right time and in the right amount.

Light therapy is a low-risk treatment of bipolar disorder without medication, but it is not no-risk. Light therapy can induce mixed or manic episodes.¹ Always consult a doctor before starting light therapy.

Exercise and Daily Routines: Natural Bipolar Treatments That May Act as Natural Mood Stabilizers

Exercise is a natural treatment for depression and in some cases, acts as effectively as an antidepressant. Exercise is also beneficial for sleep, overall health and some researchers believe it acts as a mood stabilizer as well.²

Daily routine can also be an excellent way to treat bipolar without medication (or alongside existing medication). It has been shown that a strict bipolar routine involving good sleep hygiene, eating, sleeping and socializing times can be a natural mood stabilizer. Social rhythm therapy tries to create these strict routines for people and has been shown to reduce the overall likelihood of relapse.³

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Rigidly sticking to a treatment plan, including taking bipolar meds as prescribed every day, is critical in successfully treating bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, there are many side effects of bipolar medication that people find intolerable. Sometimes these bipolar disorder medication side effects make people stop taking their medication. But stopping medication can make someone rapidly worse, possibly manic or suicidal. There are better ways of dealing with bipolar medication side effects.

Suicide and Bipolar Medication

While suicide associated with medication is rare, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that a warning be placed on anticonvulsant medication. The warning states that their use may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

A similar warning has been placed on antidepressants, particularly emphasized in adolescents and young adults. Antidepressants are used less frequently in the treatment of bipolar disorder due to the risk of inducing rapid cycling or manic episodes.

For anyone starting these medications, mood should be carefully monitored and any changes (either worsening bipolar depression or bipolar mania) should be brought to the doctor's attention immediately. Patients should not alter their medication schedule without talking to a doctor.

Temporary Bipolar Medication Side Effects

Many of the side effects initially considered extremely bothersome will diminish over time. While medications and individuals are all different, bipolar medication side effects that tend to diminish include:¹

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Nausea, bloating or indigestion
• Blurred vision
• Rapid heartbeat
• Skin rash

Any side effect of bipolar medication could be a symptom of a larger issue and should always be reported to a doctor.

Managing Bipolar Medication Side Effects

Most other side effects of bipolar medication are tolerable or can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Some common bipolar medication side effects and possible treatment include:

• Restlessness, anxiety – altering the medication dosage or adding a medication can reduce this side effect. Destressing activities like meditation and yoga may also be helpful.
• Dry mouth –treated by an over-the-counter gum or spray designed to enhance saliva production.
• Acne –prescription or over-the-counter treatments are available.
• Unusual discomfort to cold temperatures – lifestyle changes like avoiding cold weather or dressing more warmly can be used.
• Joint or muscle pain – over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin and ibuprofen) can be used.
• Heartburn – lifestyle changes can reduce heartburn. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are also available.
• Mood swings –typically handled by adjusting drug dosage and prescribed drug(s).
• Sensitivity to the sun – lifestyle changes like staying out of the sun, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen can be used.
• Menstrual problems for women – must be addressed individually, but adjusting hormone levels (for example, by taking a birth control pill) may be useful.
• Sexual problems – changing medications or sexual aid medications may be used.

All bipolar medication side effects, whether tolerable or not, need to be reported to a doctor to rule out the possibility of something more serious.

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Antipsychotic medications were initially developed for the treatment of psychosis, generally found in schizophrenia; however, antipsychotic drugs have been found to be useful in alleviating depression and stabilizing mood even when no psychosis is present. (Read about bipolar with psychosis.)

Antipsychotics alter the dopamine and serotonin (chemical messengers) receptors in the brain. Each antipsychotic medication acts somewhat more or less on these receptors and their effectiveness varies depending on each individual's brain chemistry.

Typical Antipsychotic Medications

The first antipsychotic developed was chlorpromazine (Thorazine), in the 1950s. This remains one of the few first-generation (aka typical) antipsychotic medications still used today for the treatment of bipolar (mania). Typical antipsychotics are used much less frequently now, but some are still used particularly in emergency settings.

Atypical Antipsychotics for Bipolar Disorder

Antipsychotics had a large part in helping many people leave residential mental health care facilities; however, many people found typical antipsychotic side effects intolerable. In the 1970s, second-generation antipsychotics, known as atypical antipsychotics, were developed with fewer motor control side effects.

The following atypical antipsychotics are approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder:¹

• Aripiprazole (Abilify) – actually considered a third generation antipsychotic; is thought to have fewer metabolic side effects than other antipsychotics. Approved for bipolar mania, mixed state and maintenance treatment.
• Asenapine (Saphris) –newly-approved (mid-2009)² ; approved to treat bipolar mania and mixed states.
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa) – approved for people age 13 and over with bipolar disorder type 1. FDA-approved for bipolar mania, mixed state and maintenance treatment.
• Quetiapine (Seroquel) – the only antipsychotic approved for the treatment of bipolar depression. Also approved to treat bipolar mania.
• Risperidone (Risperdal) – approved for those age 10 and over with bipolar disorder type 1. FDA-approved for bipolar mania and mixed state treatment.
• Ziprasidone (Geodon) – approved to treat bipolar manic episodes and mixed episodes.

One additional drug, Symbax is approved for the treatment of bipolar depression and is an olanzapine/fluoxetine (Prozac) combination.

Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medication may be used alone (monotherapy) or with other medications, typically lithium or valproate. While antipsychotics have helped many, this class of medication tends to have a more serious side effect profile and some estimate 50% of people stop taking the drugs due to side effects.³

In first-generation typical antipsychotics, the primarily concerning side effects surround involuntary muscle movements. This includes side effects like:⁴

• Tardive dyskinesia – involuntary repetitive muscle movements
• Dystonia – sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements of abnormal posture
• Akathisia – inner restlessness and an inability to sit still
• Muscle rigidity and tremor
• Seizures

While atypical antipsychotics were developed to reduce or remove many of these movement disorder side effects, atypical antipsychotics often have side effects like:

• Diabetes
• Blood sugar problems
• Weight gain
• Heart problems
• Other metabolic syndrome symptoms
• Possible reduced life expectancy

Additionally, all antipsychotics may produce side effects like confusion, dizziness, memory impairment, lethargy, decreased feeling of pleasure, gastrointestinal problems, and others specific to the medication.

Some people find antipsychotic medication side effects intolerable while others use them with very few problems. In all cases, the benefits need to be weighed against the risks and side effects of antipsychotic medications. For some, the benefits outweigh the risks dramatically.

See also: Complete List of Mood Stabilizers: Types, Uses, Side-Effects

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Mood stabilizers are a type of medication used in the treatment of bipolar and other disorders. As the name suggests, mood stabilizers work to prevent both the extreme high and low moods associated with illnesses like bipolar disorder. Unlike other medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizing medications do not induce cycling or mania.

Lithium – The First Mood Stabilizer

Lithium is the only true mood stabilizing medication. While other medications may be termed "mood stabilizers," lithium is the only drug technically of that class.

Lithium was the first compound approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium is approved for use in bipolar mania and bipolar maintenance treatment; although it is frequently used to treat bipolar depression, often in combination with other medications. Lithium has an unparalleled antisuicidal property, shown to reduce the risk of attempted and completed suicides by 80%.¹

Lithium is still the first-choice mood stabilizing drug in many circumstances but blood levels must be constantly monitored to ensure the lithium level is high enough to be effective but not high enough to be toxic. Thyroid levels also must be carefully monitored as lithium can reduce thyroid levels.²

Anticonvulsants as Mood Stabilizers

Anticonvulsants used in the treatment of mood disorders are frequently also termed mood stabilizers. Anticonvulsants are actually medications designed to treat seizure disorders but some have shown to be effective mood stabilizers. Some anticonvulsant mood stabilizers have been shown to be particularly useful in treating bipolar depression and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The three most widely used anticonvulsant mood stabilizers are carbamazepine, valproate and lamotrigine.³

Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is often an effective mood-stabilizing medication in those who do not respond to lithium and has been shown to effectively treat rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. It is approved by the FDA for use in manic episodes and mixed bipolar episodes but it often used as a maintenance mood stabilizer.

Valproate

Valproate sodium (also valproic acid, divalproex sodium, brand name Depakote) is approved in the treatment of bipolar mania. Valproate is a mood stabilizing agent commonly combined with lithium or other medications to treat bipolar. Valproate has been shown effective in treating rapid-cycling bipolar disorder as well as aggressive or behavioral disorders.

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is approved in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder but also appears to be the most effective anticonvulsant mood stabilizer for treating bipolar depression. Lamotrigine has the extremely rare side effect of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This skin rash is potentially fatal if left untreated. Lamotrigine is started at a low dose and the dose is increased very slowly to reduce the chance of a rash. Any rash that does occur should be reported to a doctor immediately. Most doctors will discontinue lamotrigine at the first sign of a rash due to the possible risk but the vast majority of rashes are not of the Stevens-Johnson type.

Other Anticonvulsant Mood Stabilizers

While there are no other FDA-approved anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, other anticonvulsant medications are often used off-label. Other anticonvulsants used in stabilizing mood are:

• Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

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Bipolar medication is often a major part of a treatment plan for bipolar disorder. Medication is the main way psychiatry knows to treat bipolar disorder at this time. A comprehensive plan will also include bipolar therapy, support and education, but bipolar meds are still likely to play a big role.

Types of Medications for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex illness with many parts of the brain implicated in its presence. Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, two types of chemical messengers in the brain, are typically targeted by bipolar medications. The primary types of medication for bipolar disorder treatment are:

• mood stabilizers
• anticonvulsants
• antipsychotics (for bipolar disorder)

Mood Stabilizer Medication for Bipolar Disorder

The only true "mood stabilizer" medication is lithium. Lithium is a chemical salt and typically lithium carbonate is prescribed. Lithium is still the first bipolar disorder medication treatment of choice in many circumstances and is known to effectively treat mania and prevent future bipolar episodes. Lithium also has a unique antisuicide effect. When lithium is used, blood levels must be carefully monitored as too much lithium can be toxic.¹

(In-depth information: Mood Stabilizers for Bipolar Disorder)

Anticonvulsant Medications for Bipolar Disorder

Anticonvulsants are sometimes called mood stabilizers when used to treat bipolar disorder. Anticonvulsant bipolar meds were initially created as anti-seizure medication but were later found to be effective at preventing mood swings. Several anticonvulsants have been shown to be very effective at treating bipolar disorder both acutely and long-term. Common anticonvulsant medication for bipolar includes:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Valproate (Depakote)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Topiramate (Topamax) and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Antipsychotic Medication for Bipolar Disorder

Antipsychotics have been used in the treatment of bipolar disorder since the 1950s and the advent of the typical antipsychotic, chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Now, newer atypical antipsychotic bipolar medications are mostly used. Antipsychotics can be very useful for mood stabilization and treatment of bipolar mania, whether psychosis is present or not. Often used antipsychotic medications for bipolar disorder include:

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Asenapine (Saphris)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

(In-depth information: Antipsychotic Medications for Bipolar Disorder)

Medication for Bipolar Mania

Acute hypomania is often not considered an emergency while bipolar mania generally is. The specific bipolar medication choice is based on the presence of aggression, psychosis, agitation and sleep disturbance. Often, patients will be prescribed more than one medication. Common bipolar meds for the treatment of mania include:

• Antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), ziprasidone (Geodon), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal)
• Valproate (Depakote)
• Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan)
• Lithium

Medication for Bipolar Depression

Acute depression can be tremendously dangerous if the person is suicidal or has lost the ability to take care of themselves. Degree of depression severity, including the likelihood of suicide, and presence of psychosis is taken into account when choosing medication for bipolar depression. Common medications for bipolar depression treatment include:²

• Antipsychotics like quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Anticonvulsants like lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Antidepressants can be prescribed but, typically, only with other mood stabilizing medication. For some patients, antidepressants may be considered too destabilizing to risk at all (antidepressants may induce mania). For very severe or treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy is often considered a frontline approach.

Bipolar Meds as Long-Term Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Most of the bipolar medications used during acute treatment can be used long-term. Common long-term bipolar meds include:

• Lithium – still typically the number one choice for future episode prevention
• Anticonvulsants like valproate (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Antipsychotics like aripiprazole (Abilify) and olanzapine (Zyprexa)

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Treatment for bipolar disorder generally occurs when a person is in either a major depressive episode or a degree of a manic episode. This acute episode is the focus of initial treatment. Depending on the severity, bipolar treatment options may include hospitalization, particularly if harm to the patient or those around him or her is a concern. The goal of acute bipolar disorder treatment is to rapidly stabilize the condition enough to get the patient out of danger and move forward into a long-term bipolar treatment plan. Typically this means treating the episode with the appropriate bipolar medication and scheduling follow-up sessions with a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and/or case manager.

Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Both acute manic or depressive episodes, as well as long-term bipolar treatment, typically require the use of medications. Medications for bipolar disorder vary depending on the phase of the illness: acute mania, acute depression or long-term treatment.¹ Medication selection is also based on specific symptoms and severity. Common medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder include:

• Antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol), ziprasidone (Geodon), quetiapine (Seroquel) and risperidone (Risperdal)
• Lithium
• Anticonvulsants (often called mood stabilizers) like Valproate (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan)

Antidepressants may be prescribed, but only with additional mood stabilizing medication. Most doctors agree, antidepressants should be used with caution in the treatment of bipolar disorder due to the possibility of inducing mania or rapid-cycling.

(Get comprehensive information on Bipolar Disorder Medications.)

Therapy Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Therapy can be a valuable component of bipolar disorder treatment. There are several types of useful therapy including psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may be held individually or in a group. Psychotherapeutic bipolar disorder treatment focuses on several aspects of the illness:

• Education about bipolar disorder
• Support
• Increasing life and stress-coping skills
• Identifying and working through psychological issues that may contribute to the symptoms of bipolar

Continued follow-up with a medical professional is crucial to the success of bipolar treatment. The therapist can be a constant touchstone with the patient and keep them on-track and following their treatment plan. Other available types of therapy for the treatment of bipolar disorder include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy – focuses on challenging the thoughts and beliefs that are part of bipolar disorder
• Family therapy – includes family and friends of the patient
• Social rhythm therapy – aims to create solid, predictable routines in a patient's life, enhancing mood stability
• Self-help groups – offer ongoing support, may be community or faith-based

(Find out more about Types of Bipolar Disorder Therapy and How Bipolar Therapy Helps.)

Electroconvulsive Therapy as a Bipolar Treatment

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), once known as shock therapy, is considered safe and has shown to be extremely effective in treating bipolar episodes. While the treatment is still considered controversial by some, about 100,000 patients receive ECT per year in the US.²

ECT is indicated for the treatment of bipolar mania, mixed-moods, depression and may be useful for those with rapid-cycling or psychotic features. In acute mania, one study showed more than 78% of 400 people showed significant, clinical improvement. Most patients who have not responded to medication positively respond to ECT.³

ECT is generally used as a short-term bipolar disorder treatment (8-12 sessions) to stabilize the patient. After ECT, treatment is maintained with medication, although some patients use periodic ECT maintenance treatments long-term. Memory problems, which are typically transient, should always be considered when undergoing ECT.

Neurostimulation Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Other bipolar therapies that act directly on the brain are known as Neurostimulation treatments. These treatments are new but are showing promising results in some areas. Neurostimulation techniques are never considered first choice bipolar disorder treatments and, by many healthcare professionals, are still considered experimental. Neurostimulation bipolar treatments include:

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) – an electrostimulation device is implanted in the chest that delivers an electrical current to the left vagus nerve. VNS is FDA-approved for use in treatment-refractory major depressive disorder (treatment-resistant depression) and has been studied in refractory bipolar depression as well.⁴
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) – an electromagnet is held near the head, generating an electric current across the skull no more than five centimeters into the brain. This device is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder.⁵
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – involves implantation of a neurostimulation device into the brain. DBS is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of Parkinson's disease but research on depression and obsessive-convulsive disorder is ongoing.⁶

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There is no such thing as bipolar personality disorder. Bipolar disorder (also known as bipolar affective disorder) is a mental illness classified as a mood disorder. A mood disorder is distinctly different from a personality disorder and bipolar personality disorder does not exist. The current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not include a bipolar disorder personality disorder (read more information on bipolar disorder).

Bipolar Disorder is a Mood Disorder

Mood disorders are where the primary symptom is a disturbance in mood. One of the mood disorders is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by wide swings in mood from an extremely elevated mood (bipolar mania) to an extremely depressed mood (bipolar depression). Other mood disorders include:

• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Dysthymic Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder

(More comprehensive information on bipolar disorder symptoms.)

Bipolar Disorder Is Not A Personality Disorder

Personality disorders are a type of mental illness that is constant in a person's life and is seen in the thoughts, emotions, interpersonal functioning and impulse control of the patient. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with distinct mood episodes and does not fit into this model. Bipolar personality disorder doesn't exist, but the following disorders do:

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

A personality disorder may sometimes get misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder and vice versa.

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Manic depressive disorder, now known as bipolar disorder, is a mental illness characterized by cycling high and low moods. A cycling mood disorder has been written about as a clear mental illness since early Chinese authors and was described by the encyclopedist Gao Lian in the late 16th century. German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin developed the term "manic depressive psychosis" in the early 20th century.¹ This term made the most sense at the time as the illness has episodes of mania and episodes of depression.

Manic Depressive Disorder Symptoms

Manic depressive disorder was defined in the mid-20th century as cycling periods of mania, depression and normal functioning. Around 1957, the term "bipolar" was first used and subclassifications of the illness began to appear combining these states:

• Mania – a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, arousal and/or energy levels. For a diagnosis of bipolar mania, this state must last for at least seven days and severely impact a person's functioning, often to the point of landing them in the hospital. May include psychosis.
• Hypomania – a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, arousal and/or energy levels. These are present to a lesser extent than seen in mania, last for at least four days and impact the manic depressive's functioning not as drastically. Does not include psychosis.
• Depression – a state of abnormally low mood, arousal and/or energy levels. Present for at least two weeks and drastically impairs the manic depressive's ability to function. May include psychosis.

Manic depressive illness is sometimes still preferred, particularly over bipolar type 1, as it indicates the constantly changing mood present in the illness. Bipolar type 2 consists of periods of depression and hypomania, rather than mania.

What is it Like to be Manic Depressive?

Manic depressive disorder symptoms can dramatically impair a person's ability to function in day-to-day life. Where once there were average periods of happiness and sadness common through life, there now is mania and depression for the manic depressive. Mania and depression are greatly exaggerated states from the normal and, by definition, severely impact the manic depressive's life.

A Manic Depressive During Mania

During a manic state, life may appear to be perfect to a manic depressive. The patient feels like they are on top of the world, can talk to god or perhaps even have godlike powers themselves. The manic depressive feels no need to sleep or eat and never gets tired. The patient feels brilliant and talks non-stop in a steady stream of ever-changing ideas. The patient may get very irritated when others don't see their brilliance or agree with their delusional beliefs. A manic depressive may even become paranoid and psychotic and think they are being communicated to through inanimate objects. This manic state spirals out of control often leading to drinking, gambling and sex binges and puts the manic depressive and those around them in danger as the patient engages in risky behavior like driving while intoxicated or believing they can fly. (More on alcohol abuse, substance abuse, sex abuse and other types of addictions here.)

(Learn more about bipolar mania.)

A Manic Depressive During Depression

Life in a depressive state is almost exactly the opposite. Manic depressive symptoms include heavy sadness, constant crying, worrying, guilt and shame. A patient may not want to get out of bed and may sleep for most of the day. The manic depressive loses all ability to feel pleasure, retreats from life and those around them. The depression may include psychosis where the manic depressive believes people are out to get him or her and they may cease leaving their house entirely.

(Learn about Bipolar Depression.)

Results of Being a Manic Depressive

Either mania or depression can impact a manic depressive life to the point where they lose their job, friends and even family. Because the patient is often no longer able to take care of themselves, they can't take care of others either and may lose custody of their children. In very severe cases of manic depressive disorder the patient may be hospitalized due to the concern that they may harm themselves or others. The manic depressive may even commit suicide.

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Manic depression is the term once used to refer to the mental illness we now know as bipolar disorder. The term "manic depressive psychosis" was coined by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in the early 20h century. Kraepelin studied untreated manic depression patients and noted the periods of "mania" and "depression" were separated by periods of normalcy.

"Manic-depressive reaction" first appeared in the psychiatric diagnostic manual in 1952 and was replaced by the term bipolar in 1957. "Bipolar" referred to those who suffered mania as in manic depression, and the term "unipolar" referred to those suffering from depression only.¹

What are the Symptoms of Manic Depression?

Manic depression is an illness that cycles between elevated and depressed moods. Symptoms of manic depression include periods of either mania or hypomania as well as periods of depression. Manic depression / bipolar requires the presence of both types of episodes.

(Learn more about symptoms of bipolar disorder.)

Test for Manic Depression

Bipolar, or manic depression, requires the illness to conform to the diagnostic criteria found in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The test for manic depression requires testing for manic episodes or hypomania episodes alongside depression episodes. Episodes must last a minimum amount of time in order to meet the diagnostic criteria. In the case of mania, seven days, hypomania, four days and depression, two weeks.

More information on bipolar including:

• Take Online Bipolar Quiz
• Causes of Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar Treatment
• Bipolar Medications
• Bipolar Self-Help and How to Help Someone with Bipolar
• Celebrities and Famous People with Bipolar Disorder

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When celebrities and famous people with bipolar disorder talk openly about their illness, they have an opportunity to reduce the stigma associated with the illness and make it more acceptable to be honest about bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects 1% of the general population and yet many people don't know the bipolar people in their lives. This is most often because people with bipolar disorder don't speak openly about their illness, not even with their close friends. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder are afraid of the stigma associated with their illness and fear rejection by their loved ones.

Successful Famous People with Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder are sometimes thought to be "crazy," dangerous and abnormal in some way. Some, even the bipolar people themselves, may feel like they have no hope of being "normal" or successful. When famous people with bipolar disorder discuss their success in spite of their illness, it makes it clear to everyone that people with bipolar disorder have the same potential for success as others. (Read more information about living with bipolar disorder)

BP Magazine talks to some successful famous people with bipolar disorder:

• Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy: "I knew what it was to suffer, so I knew that this was real," Kennedy once explained about his work on behalf of the mentally ill. "There was no doubt in my mind that this was a physical illness that people were suffering from because I was suffering from it. It was very concrete in my mind that this needed to be worked on. That's why I've always worked on it—and through my own personal suffering."¹
• Margaret Trudeau, the youngest first lady in Canadian history: "The shame is in having a mental illness and not facing it and getting it treated (read about bipolar treatment) because you're going to destroy your life and probably destroy your marriage and probably destroy friendships," she says. "You're probably going to disappoint people; you're probably going to have trouble keeping your job. The shame is in other people being ignorant and the lack of education of what it is that happens to people suffering from mental illness."²

Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder

Celebrities with bipolar disorder also have an opportunity to raise awareness for the illness. Bipolar celebrities include:³

• Rosemary Clooney
• Ray Davies, a musician who is openly bipolar
• Richard Dreyfuss
• Mel Gibson
• Mathew Good
• Macy Gray
• Linda Hamilton
• Sinéad O'Connor
• Jane Pauley
• Jean-Claude Van Damme
• Catherine Zeta-Jones

Other famous bipolar people who use their celebrity to increase awareness of mental illness include:

• Jessie Close, sister of Glenn Close – in an interview with BP Magazine, Glenn Close says of mental illness, ". . . To me, it's one of the conditions of being human. Having a mental illness doesn't separate you from other people—it brings you closer together."⁴
• Carrie Fisher – to BP Magazine at her stand-up one-woman show, "Bipolar disorder is a mood system that functions like the weather. It's independent of the things that happen in your life. I have problems, but they don't have me! I'm very sane about how crazy I am. . ."⁵
• Jane Pauley of Today and Dateline – of her best-selling memoir, "I had already decided that if only one good thing came out of this mess, it would be the opportunity to talk about the disease . . . Most people living courageously with mental illness fear losing everything—they can't afford to give people the benefit of the doubt. I can. It seemed pretty simple."⁶

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