Bipolar disorder is one of the mood disorders characterized by fluctuations of significant intensity of the mood: the patient can therefore alternate manic/hypomanic phases (hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, psychomotor agitation, grandiosity, increased spending) to depressive phases (real depressive episodes) even in the same day and for no apparent reason. Between one period and another it is possible to have phases of euthymia (normal mood).
The onset of symptoms is usually in young adulthood and the intensity of the phases and the quality of the symptoms are heterogeneous and vary from person to person. Bipolarism can be a serious psychiatric disorder and, if left untreated, impair personal, social, occupational, and interpersonal functioning.
The causes of this disorder are multiple: there is a genetic predisposition with alterations in neurotransmitter functioning on which psychological and environmental aspects are inserted.

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent disorder, but with appropriate psychopharmacological treatment the risk of relapse becomes less frequent and shorter. For this reason, continuous pharmacological treatment combined with psychosocial treatment is essential for the medium- to long-term prognosis.

Psycho-educational support for family members and caregivers is often indicated so that they can better understand and accept the pathology of the patient with bipolar disorder.