About 40 million people worldwide live with it (WHO, 2019), usually starting between ages 18 and 25.
Bipolar I Disorder
Have you or someone close to you gone through periods of feeling on top of the world — barely sleeping, talking fast, spending big — followed by crashing into deep depression? Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode lasting a week or more (ICD-11 6A60). Most people also experience episodes of depression.
How common is it?
About 0.6–1 in 100 people over a lifetime.
Who is at higher risk?
- A parent or sibling with bipolar disorder (the strongest risk)
- Severe stress
- Lack of sleep or night shifts
- Drug or alcohol use
- The weeks after childbirth
Signs & symptoms
- Mania: very high, excited or irritable mood; feeling rested after 2–3 hours' sleep; racing thoughts; fast talking; grand plans; over-spending; risky driving or sex; in severe cases hearing voices or false beliefs
- Depression: low mood, no energy, hopelessness, oversleeping, withdrawal, suicidal thoughts
What causes it?
Bipolar disorder is one of the most inherited mental conditions (60–85%). Differences in brain chemistry (dopamine) and the body clock make mood unstable; stress, sleep loss and substances trigger episodes.
How to know if you are struggling — you may relate if…
- For a few days I felt unstoppable — I didn't need sleep and started five new projects.
- My family said I was talking too much and spending wildly.
- After that, I crashed and couldn't get out of bed for weeks.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
Medication from a psychiatrist is the foundation of treatment; we work alongside it. Dr. Rabya provides mood charting, psychoeducation for patient and family, relapse-warning plans, routine and sleep stabilisation (social rhythm therapy), and CBT for the depressive phase.
Bipolar II Disorder
Does depression keep coming back, with short spells in between when you feel unusually energetic, social and productive? Bipolar II involves depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode — a milder high that others notice but that doesn't cause severe problems (ICD-11 6A61). It is often misdiagnosed as ordinary depression.
How common is it?
About 0.4–1 in 100 people over a lifetime.
Who is at higher risk?
Family history of bipolar disorder or depression, high stress, irregular sleep, substance use.
Signs & symptoms
Recurring, often severe depression; brief periods of high energy, reduced need for sleep, confidence and talkativeness; irritability; rapid mood shifts.
What causes it?
Similar to bipolar I — strong genetics, body-clock disruption and stress.
How to know if you are struggling — you may relate if…
- Antidepressants help for a while, then I feel wired and can't sleep.
- I have 'super-productive' weeks and then crash.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
A careful history with family input, mood charting to spot hidden highs, psychiatrist-led treatment, CBT and routine stabilisation.
Frequently asked questions
Are mood swings the same as bipolar disorder?
No. Everyday mood swings last hours. Bipolar episodes last days to weeks and change sleep, energy and behaviour.
Can people with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Yes. With regular treatment, sleep routine and family support, most people study, work and have healthy relationships.
Is therapy useful if I'm already on medicine?
Yes. Therapy reduces relapses, improves medication adherence and helps manage the depressive phase.