What is Bipolar Disorder?

Mood Disorders Society of Canada is pleased to present this third edition of What is Bipolar Disorder? as part of our public educational resource series.

We all get excited by new ideas, pursue our goals with passion, and have times when we want to celebrate with our friends and enjoy life to its fullest. There will also be times when we are sad and withdraw into quiet contemplation or feel upset when things are not working out as planned.

For people with bipolar disorder, these normal emotions can become a roller coaster ride of wild highs and devastating lows. Moods are driven, not by the events of life, but by a force of their own. Bipolar disorder (previously called manic-depressive illness) is a medical condition that involves changes in brain function leading to dramatic mood swings. These mood swings can be so severe that they impair normal functioning at work, at school, and in relationships.

This important resource could not have been developed without the dedication of Dr. Elizabeth Osuch, M.D., FRCPC, ABPN in the research and writing of this revised edition of our booklet with special appreciation to Michael Wammes, MSc, MSW, RSW who contributed knowledge, time and effort to this project. MDSC also extends our sincere gratitude to Dr. Barbara Everett, PhD who researched and wrote the First Edition.

Mental illness affects all Canadians. The overarching message that the Mood Disorders Society of Canada wants to convey in all its work is that recovery from mental illness is possible.

MDSC would like to acknowledge and thank AbbVie Corporation for their unrestricted grant that made it possible for MDSC to conduct the expansion and revisions to this booklet for the benefit of all.

For more information please read our booklet (PDF English), What is Bipolar (PDF French).