Is bipolar considered a psychiatric illness?

Bipolar disorder (previously called manic depression) is defined as a mental illness that causes extreme swings in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to think clearly. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with medications called mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics. Some people with bipolar disorder may also benefit from psychotherapy. Bipolar disorder is considered to be a psychiatric illness because it involves changes in the brain that affect mood, behavior, and thinking.