What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, which is characterized by up-and-down episodes of mania a...
Bipolar disorder, which is characterized by up-and-down episodes of mania and depression, is an often misunderstood–and tricky to diagnose–mental illness.
![bipolar-symptoms-bipolar-disorder](https://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium_2x/public/styles/main/public/gettyimages-101952797.jpg?itok=rpYi41QZ "When it comes to mental illness, there are plenty of stereotypes. But in reality, mood disorders can be hard to pinpoint—particularly in people with bipolar disorder symptoms.
"Chalking it up to moodiness or trouble at work or tiredness is pretty common," says Carrie Bearden, PhD, an associate professor in residence of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and psychology at the David Geffen School of Medical at UCLA. "The disorder varies in severity."
Here are 10 signs that mood problems may be due to more than a quirky or difficult personality.")
