Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorders are complex hereditable illnesses marked by extreme mood swings lasting more than a few days and without a clear external triggering event. Manic phases of the illness present as sleeping very little, feeling energized often with reckless behavior, excessive spending, and hypersexuality.  Depressive phases can last months and present substantial risk for suicidality.

Adults with treatment-resistant forms of bipolar disorder often need mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, family therapy, and vocational rehabilitation services to help mend damaged social relationships and restore optimal functioning.