Although the causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, current research is focused on understanding the genetic basis of chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to the illness.

Bipolar disorder is one of the most treatable psychiatric disorders. Crucial to treating bipolar disorder is recognizing the symptoms and making the correct diagnosis. In recent years there has been considerable clarification of the criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder, making earlier recognition and successful treatment more possible.

Medication and psychotherapy are essential to the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium, carbamazepine, valproate, and many antipsychotics are effective treatments for reducing the severity of manic episodes and in preventing cycling into mania and depression. Lamotrigine has been shown effective in preventing and reducing the severity of depression; antidepressants may be considered in certain individuals with bipolar depression.

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