Bipolar: meaning, definitions and examples

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bipolar

 

[ ˈbaɪˌpoʊlər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mental health

Bipolar refers to a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. The condition often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can appear in children as well. Treatment often involves medication and psychotherapy.

Synonyms

manic-depressive, mood disorder

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed as bipolar after experiencing severe mood fluctuations.
  • Bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on one's daily life.
  • He struggles with bipolar episodes that affect his relationships.
  • Understanding bipolar disorder is important for effective treatment.

Translations

Translations of the word "bipolar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bipolar

🇮🇳 द्विध्रुवी

🇩🇪 bipolar

🇮🇩 bipolar

🇺🇦 біполярний

🇵🇱 bipolarny

🇯🇵 双極性の

🇫🇷 bipolaire

🇪🇸 bipolar

🇹🇷 bipolar

🇰🇷 양극성의

🇸🇦 ثنائي القطب

🇨🇿 bipolární

🇸🇰 bipolárny

🇨🇳 双相的

🇸🇮 bipolaren

🇮🇸 tvískautas

🇰🇿 екіптік

🇬🇪 ბიპოლარული

🇦🇿 bipolar

🇲🇽 bipolar

Etymology

The term 'bipolar' derives from the Greek roots 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'polar' which relates to opposites or extremes. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the two poles of mood: mania and depression. Before that, the condition was commonly referred to as manic-depressive illness. The shift towards the term 'bipolar disorder' came as the understanding of the condition evolved, allowing for the recognition of a spectrum of mood states beyond just manic and depressive episodes. As research continues, the medical community emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, incorporating factors such as genetics, environment, and personal history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,943, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.