Relating to bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between manic or hypomanic episodes (elevated mood, energy, and activity) and depressive episodes. The condition significantly impacts daily functioning and relationships.
From Latin 'bi' (two) and 'polaris' (of the poles), literally meaning 'having two poles.' The term replaced 'manic-depressive illness' in the 1960s to better describe the alternating nature of mood states between two extremes.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of adults and often runs in families, with first-degree relatives having a 10-15% chance of developing the condition. The manic episodes can be so severe that people may not sleep for days, spend life savings impulsively, or believe they have special powers, while depressive episodes can be life-threatening.
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in women at similar rates to men, but women historically undertreated and stigmatized; the term itself is neutral, but colloquial use as 'moody' or 'unstable' echoes temperament bias.
Reserve clinical term for medical context only; avoid casual use as synonym for inconsistent, dramatic, or emotional behavior, especially when describing women.
["inconsistent","fluctuating","variable"]
Women's mental health advocacy has fought decades of dismissal—use precise language to honor that work and avoid weaponizing diagnosis.
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