Bipolar Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has episodes of unusually high or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and episodes of low mood. It is different from everyday mood swings, and it can be managed over the long term with proper assessment, treatment and support from a doctor.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
How it is usually treated
- Mood stabilisers
- Antipsychotic medications
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Psychoeducation for patient and family
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My mood swings from very high to very low”
- “I barely sleep and feel full of energy, then crash”
- “I make big decisions without thinking”
- “People say my moods change too fast”
People who live with bipolar disorder may also notice generalised anxiety, substance use or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if sleep has almost stopped for days, you feel out of touch with reality, or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about both high and low periods over your life, how long they lasted and what they did to your sleep, work and relationships. Family members often add useful detail, with your permission. A low mood alone can look like depression, so the history of high periods is what makes the difference.
Treatment and support
- Treatment usually needs ongoing care under a doctor, and sometimes hospital care in a severe episode
- Psychoeducation for the person and the family, so everyone recognises early warning signs
- Therapy such as CBT and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, which builds steady sleep and daily routines
- A written crisis plan agreed in advance with the person and family
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess bipolar disorder, explain the diagnosis to you and your family, and offer therapy and relapse-prevention planning. If an episode needs in-person or hospital care, your clinician will tell you. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist listens to your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past weeks, and asks about earlier episodes, other illness and family history.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads your care. A clinical psychologist can join for talk therapy, and the two share one plan.
Between sessions
Regular reviews check how you are feeling and sleeping, and your plan is adjusted as you improve.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is bipolar disorder the same as mood swings?
No. Everyone has mood changes. In bipolar disorder the highs and lows last days to weeks, are clearly different from your usual self, and disrupt sleep, work or relationships.
Can bipolar disorder be managed long term?
Yes. Many people live full lives with steady treatment, regular routines and support from family. Early warning signs are watched and acted on.
Can I get assessed online?
Yes. A first consultation by video covers your history and, where possible, a family member's view. Your psychiatrist will say if you need care in person.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.
Sources
- NIMHANS
- White Swan Foundation
- NHS: Bipolar disorder
- WHO: Bipolar disorder (fact sheet)
- WHO: Mental disorders (fact sheet)