Bipolar mood disorder Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Bipolar Mood Disorder Overview Bipolar mood disorder, earlier known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression, is characterised by distinct periods of elevated or irritable mood and depressive mood occurring during the duration of illness. The mood symptoms and the changes in thoughts, behaviour, sleep and appetite disrupts normal life. Causes and risk factors Cause is unknown. Risk factors include: GeneticsBrain structure in certain individuals Types Bipolar disorder can be classified as: Bipolar I disorderBipolar II disorderCyclothymic disorder Symptoms Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the episode:Maniac episode:Very activeExtremely irritatedExcessive appetiteLess sleepDepressive episode:Feeling sad/anxiousRestlessTrouble sleepingLack of interest in everythingFeeling hopeless/suicidal Diagnosis Bipolar disorder is generally diagnosed using:Physical examination and tests to rule out other possible causes. Treatment Therapies for bipolar disorders include:MedicationsPsychotherapyLight therapyElectroconvulsive therapyRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation