Bipolaire

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent mood episodes that alternate between periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of depression. In French, the term is bipolaire, and in English the condition is commonly referred to as bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder. The illness affects thinking, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.

The disorder is typically categorized into subtypes. Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode, usually followed or accompanied by depressive episodes. Bipolar II includes hypomanic episodes alongside major depressive episodes. Cyclothymic disorder features chronic fluctuating mood disturbances that do not meet full criteria for mania, hypomania, or major depression. Rapid cycling refers to four or more mood episodes within a year and can occur in any subtype. Symptoms during mania include inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, distractibility, risky behaviors, and delusions; depressive episodes involve persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, and thoughts of death.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and history, often using standardized criteria such as the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, while ruling out other medical or substance-related causes. Onset usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can emerge later. Treatment is lifelong and typically combines mood-stabilizing medications (such as lithium or certain antipsychotics and anticonvulsants), psychotherapy (for example cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal and social rhythm therapy), psychoeducation, and lifestyle regularity.

Prognosis varies but improves with early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and ongoing care. The condition is relatively common, affecting about 1–2% of the population, and carries an ongoing risk of suicide if untreated.