A psychological disorder marked by manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorders are divided into four main categories: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and nonspecified disorders. Mania is the essential feature of bipolar I, whereas recurrent moods of both mania and depression mark bipolar II.

SEE: mood disorder.

Treatment: Medications used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate, carbamazepine or oxcarbamazepine, valproic acid, or other anticonvulsant agents.

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Bipolar disorder should not be managed with agents that solely treat unipolar depression. Such treatment may trigger manic or hypomanic episodes.

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