bipolar disorder: Quick Facts

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Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Study proposes overlooked genetic mechanism behind schizophrenia and bipolar disorder • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:44 PM ET (News-Medical)

Childhood environment may shape long-term mental health risk in children of parents with bipolar disorder • Oct. 20, 2026, 1:00 PM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	manic-depressive illness • manic-depression

Topics

cyclothymic disorder mania depression affective disorder postpartum depression persistent depressive disorder seasonal affective disorder major depressive disorder melancholia

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mental disorder: Mood disorders

Key People

Stephen Fry smiling at an event, wearing a blue jacket, burgundy sweater, plaid shirt, and yellow polka dot tie, with a National Geographic backdrop behind him.

Stephen Fry

British actor, writer, and director

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Emil Kraepelin

German psychiatrist

Abraham, Karl

Karl Abraham

German psychoanalyst

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