bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania

called also bipolar illness, manic depression

Examples of bipolar disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Psychoeducation, which means teaching families how to recognize symptoms and triggers, and family involvement, are both crucial parts of treatment for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. —Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

The Camp Rock alum has long been open about their past battles with self-harm, bulimia, substance abuse and bipolar disorder, delving into them in documentaries such as 2017’s Simply Complicated and 2021’s Dancing With the Devil. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025

Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while receiving inpatient treatment for emotional and physical issues in 2010. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

Gucci Mane is sharing his experience after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. —Vivian Kwarm, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bipolar disorder

• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder
• camcorder
• recorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder

Kids Definition

bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania

Medical Definition

bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several mood disorders characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania

Note: The mania experienced in bipolar disorder may be of the euphoric or irritable type or both.

called also bipolar affective disorder, bipolar illness, manic depression, manic-depressive illness

compare major depressive disorder