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

In her April 2023 Vogue profile, the Paper Towns star opened up about her bipolar disorder and history of addiction. —Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024

But what makes the 90-minute film really standout is Dunaway’s candidness about everything from her reputation to her bipolar disorder to her iconic career. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 13 July 2024

Knowing the characteristics of bipolar disorder can help with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. —Tammy Worth, Health, 14 June 2024

In her adult life, Bynes has struggled publicly with her mental health and has been put on a psychiatric hold multiple times in recent years, due to complications from her bipolar disorder. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

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