Translation guide
A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. In Japanese, the clinical term is 双極性障害, but 躁うつ病 is also common. This guide covers how to talk about the condition, its symptoms, and related expressions.
Referring to bipolar disorder as a medical diagnosis.
The standard clinical term. Literally 'bipolar disorder'. Used in medical contexts and increasingly in general conversation.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Older term meaning 'manic-depressive illness'. Still widely understood and used, though 双極性障害 is preferred in formal settings.
Medication is essential for treating bipolar disorder.
Loanword from English. Sometimes used in casual conversation or by younger people, but not standard.
There are quite a few people with bipolar disorder, aren't there?
Describing the manic or hypomanic phase.
Describing the depressive phase.
Depressive state. The low mood phase.
The depressive state continued, and I couldn't go to work.
Referring to the characteristic shifts between mania and depression.
Referring to someone who has the condition.
Terms like 気違い (きちがい) are highly offensive and should never be used. Stick to clinical or neutral expressions.
双極性障害 is the modern, official term and is preferred in medical and formal contexts. 躁うつ病 is still common in everyday speech but may be seen as slightly outdated. Both are acceptable, but 双極性障害 is safer in writing or when speaking to professionals.
When I'm hypomanic, I can be incredibly productive.
My mood swings are so severe that it's hard on those around me.
People with bipolar disorder need understanding from those around them.