6 Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder
6 Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder Millions of adults in the U.S. have this mental illness, but it's often misunderstood by Michelle Crouch, AARP, January 13, 2021 | Comments: Getty Images En español | Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes dramatic shifts in a person's mood, energy levels and behavior. People with the disorder experience profound emotional highs (known as mania or hypomania) and extreme lows (depression). Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder affects about 7.1 million adult Americans, or about 2.8 percent of the U.S. popul...