Medically reviewed by Dr. Yujal Man Singh, MD (Psychiatry) · Updated 20 September 2026
Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania, when a person has very high energy, little need for sleep and takes risks. With the right medicine, regular follow-up and good sleep habits, most people live full working lives.
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Signs of mania or hypomania
- Sleeping very little but not feeling tired
- Talking fast, jumping between ideas
- Feeling unusually powerful or important
- Spending money, driving fast or other risky acts
- Irritability and anger
Depressive episodes look like ordinary depression, which is why bipolar disorder is often missed. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a spell of very high mood.
How it is treated
Treatment usually combines a mood stabiliser, regular blood tests where needed, therapy and a clear plan for early warning signs. Lithium has strong evidence: a meta-analysis in the BMJ found it reduces the risk of suicide in people with mood disorders [1].
Antidepressants alone can trigger mania in bipolar disorder, so a correct diagnosis matters.
Seeing Dr. Yujal in Kathmandu or online
Dr. Yujal Man Singh is a psychiatrist at Mind Matters Nepal in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu. You can meet him in person or by video call from anywhere in Nepal or abroad. Sessions are in Nepali, English or Hindi. No referral is needed.
Filling in the Brief Mood Survey (BMS) form before and after each session is a must, so we can both see how you are doing.
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Common questions
Is bipolar disorder lifelong?
It is a long-term condition, but episodes can be prevented. Many people stay well for years with treatment.
Can I stop my medicine when I feel well?
Stopping suddenly raises the risk of relapse. Any change should be planned with your psychiatrist.
Can follow-up be done online?
Yes, once you are stable. Blood tests can be done at a lab near you and the report shared.
In a crisis? This clinic does not provide emergency care. If you or someone near you may act on thoughts of suicide or is in danger, go to the nearest hospital emergency or call 1166 (Nepal suicide prevention helpline). Abroad, call your local emergency number.
Research behind this page
- Cipriani A, Hawton K, Stockton S, Geddes JR. Lithium in the prevention of suicide in mood disorders: updated systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2013;346:f3646. doi:10.1136/bmj.f3646