Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme shifts in mood that range from periods of mania to depression. Mania and its less pronounced form, hypomania, are defined as periods of elevated, expansive or irritable mood, accompanied by increase in activity and energy levels which can lead to people to engage in high risk activities that may have negative long-term consequences.

Depressive episodes are periods of low mood along with lack of interest in activities which can lead to feelings of guilt, fatigue, irritability, and even contemplations of suicide. The extreme shifts between manic and depressive episodes can be so severe that they affect one’s relationships, cause personal distress and lead to social, emotional and occupational dysfunction.