Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by periods of depression and mania and/or hypomania.  It impacts about 2% of people in Australia, with the World Health Organization estimating that around 37 millions people are impacted worldwide. 

There are several types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I disorder - defined by the presence if a lifetime manic episode.

2. Bipolar II disorder - defined by the presence of a lifetime hypomanic episode and a period of depression.

3. Cyclothymia - defined by periods of less intense highs and lows.