Bipolar Disorder

The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the counseling profession generally defer to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for the clinical definition of Bipolar Disorder. It is defined as a mood disorder characterized by significant, often cyclical shifts in energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts manifest as distinct episodes ranging from mania (periods of extremely "up," elated, or energized behavior) to depressive episodes (periods of "down," sad, or hopeless behavior).