What type of disorder is bipolar classified as?

Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder because it primarily involves significant changes in mood and emotional states. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania, characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and sometimes risky behaviors, as well as episodes of depression, where they may feel deeply sad, hopeless, or lethargic. This oscillation between highs and lows is the hallmark of mood disorders, distinguishing bipolar disorder from other classifications such as personality disorders, which involve enduring patterns of thoughts and behaviors, or thought disorders, which primarily relate to disruptions in thinking patterns. Understanding bipolar disorder in the context of mood disorders emphasizes the importance of managing emotional episodes, which is critical for individuals affected by the condition.