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bipolar illness
noun
: bipolar disorder
People with bipolar illness fluctuate between two mood extremes—mania and depression.—Paul Donohue
Examples of bipolar illness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Psychiatry has gained more precise language for the diagnosis of depression and bipolar illness; this is necessary for good science and clinical care.
—Kay Redfield Jamison, STAT, 3 May 2024
In this loose sequel to a best-selling memoir of bipolar illness, Jamison, a writer and a psychologist, explores the process of prying a mind from disease or despair.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 17 July 2023
Conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness (which may include psychotic symptoms), and substance use disorders.
—Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bipolar illness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near bipolar illness
Cite this Entry
“Bipolar illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bipolar%20illness. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
bipolar illness
noun
: bipolar disorder
Bipolar illness is characterized by manic episodes of abnormally elated mood, increased energy, rapid speech, irritability, impulsivity, hostility and psychosis, and periods of severe depression.—Jamie Talan, Newsday
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