bipolar illness

noun

: bipolar disorder

People with bipolar illness fluctuate between two mood extremes—mania and depression.

—Paul Donohue

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bipolar illness

noun

: bipolar disorder

Bipolar illness is characterized by manic episodes of abnormally elated mood, increased energy, rapid speech, irritability, impulsivity, hostility and psychosis, and periods of severe depression.

—Jamie Talan, Newsday