Bipolar disorder can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships and careers, and even suicidal tendencies if it's not treated.

Doctors don't completely understand the causes of bipolar disorder. But they've gained a greater understanding in recent years.

A bipolar disorder diagnosis is made only by taking careful note of symptoms, including their severity, length, and frequency.

Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes.

Although bipolar disorder more commonly develops in older teenagers and young adults, it can appear in children as young as 6.

Bipolar disorder occurs with similar frequency in men and women. But there are some differences in how women experience it.

Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented. But it's important to be aware of early signs of an episode of depression or mania.

Bipolar disorder can be sneaky. Episodes of mania can go undetected. Depression can overshadow other aspects of the illness.

Bipolar symptoms are periods of elevated or irritable mood with dramatic increases in energy, activity, and fast thinking.

How to recognize the symptoms of mania and hypomania, part of the manic phases of bipolar disorder.

The dramatic mood episodes of bipolar disorder do not follow a predictable pattern.

There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania to a degree.

Bipolar I disorder is a form of mental illness. A person with bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode.

Bipolar II disorder is a form of mental illness. Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I, with moods cycling between high and low.

In rapid cycling, a person with the disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year.

Mixed bipolar episodes exhibit symptoms of both mood "poles" -- mania and depression -- at the same time or in rapid sequence.

In cyclothymic disorder, moods swing between short periods of mild depression and mania.

The bipolar spectrum includes bipolar disorder and other types of mental conditions that involve depression or mood swings.

There are many medications for treating bipolar disorder, so a psychiatrist should oversee treatment.

Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes of medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

If you have bipolar disorder, you may need to take medication indefinitely and possibly for the rest of your life.

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing activity of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.

Antipsychotic drugs are used as a short-term treatment for bipolar disorder to control psychotic symptoms or mania symptoms.

Abilify Maintena is the first and only antipsychotic medication used once a month for maintenance of bipolar I symptoms. 

Anticonvulsants work by calming hyperactivity in the brain. They're often prescribed for people who have rapid cycling bipolar.

Calcium channel blockers are typically used to treat hypertension or heart problems. Some have been studied to treat bipolar.

Benzodiazepines can rapidly help control restlessness, agitation, or insomnia until mood-stabilizing drugs take effect.

MAOIs are antidepressants that treat depression by preventing the breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) is one of the most widely used and studied medications for treating bipolar disorder.

While depression episodes are far more common than manias, there are only a few established treatments for bipolar depression.

If you have mania, you’ll probably need to take medicine to bring it quickly under control.

Do you have bipolar disorder and want to become pregnant or are pregnant already?

Psychotherapy is part of treatment for bipolar disorder. You discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems.

With bipolar disorder, you may have a higher chance of committing suicide. Watch out for the warning signs.

People often talk about suicide before they attempt it, so pay close attention to what they are saying and take them seriously.

Self-injury, often including cutting, self-mutilation, or self-harm, is an attempt to cope with overpowering negative emotions.

Along with seeing your doctor and therapist and taking your medicines, simple daily habits can help manage your bipolar disorder.

Certain foods and dietary supplements might play a role in helping -- or hindering -- people with bipolar disorder.

Are there any dietary supplements that can help with bipolar disorder symptoms?

It's important to catch changes in your mood, energy levels, and sleeping patterns before they develop into something serious.

Here's what you need to know about the connections between bipolar disorder and sleep and what you can do to improve your sleep.

Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be very hard, whether you’re a partner, parent, child, or friend.

Here are some steps you can take to find meaningful work and develop successful relationships on -- and off -- the job.

Looking to broaden your understanding of bipolar disorder? These organizations can help.