What are the characteristics of bipolar disorder?

The main characteristics of bipolar disorder include:

1. Mood episodes – periods of mania/hypomania and depression.
2. Energy shifts – unusually high energy or extreme fatigue.
3. Changes in thinking – racing thoughts during mania, difficulty concentrating during depression.
4. Behavioural changes – impulsive decisions, risk-taking, or withdrawal.
5. Sleep disturbance – reduced need for sleep in mania, oversleeping in depression.

 
These traits can affect work, study, and relationships, but with the right treatment, many Australians with bipolar disorder live full, stable lives.

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