What is the primary characteristic of bipolar disorder?

The primary characteristic of bipolar disorder is intense mood changes, which typically manifest as episodes of mania and depression. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced need for sleep, while depressive episodes can lead to profound sadness, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness. These severe fluctuations in mood are central to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and relationships. While memory impairment, loss of coordination, and declined cognitive function may be associated with other mental health disorders or occur as secondary issues in some cases, they are not defining features of bipolar disorder itself. Understanding these mood shifts is essential for recognizing and diagnosing this complex condition.