Explainer: what is bipolar disorder?

During a manic episode, the main character of popular television series Homeland, CIA agent Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes) colour codes the evidence in a terrorism case, making vital links that could lead to a breakthrough. Creative insights such as these are relatively common among people who have bipolar disorder. In fact, our understanding of the increased creativity - and other positives - that come with bipolar disorder is driving a rethink about how people manage the negative effects of the disorder, while optimising their quality of life.