Synonyms

bipolar disorder

American

noun

Psychiatry.

an affective disorder characterized by periods of mania alternating with periods of depression, usually interspersed with relatively long intervals of normal mood.

bipolar disorder British

noun

a mental health problem characterized by an alternation between extreme euphoria and deep depression

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bipolar disorder Scientific

Any of several mood disorders usually characterized by periods of depression that alternate with mania.

bipolar disorder Cultural

Also known as manic-depressive illness. This psychiatric disorder is marked by periods of euphoric (manic) highs often followed by periods of depression.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

Bipolar disorder involves extreme fluctuations in mood and is classified into different types according to symptoms and severity.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2024

Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mood disorder characterized by recurring episodes of mania and depression.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where individuals exhibit extreme moods, which can last for several weeks.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2023

Bipolar disorder has made me far more compassionate than most could ever imagine.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023