Written by: Therapy Near Me Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by: qualified members of the Therapy Near Me clinical team

Last updated: 05/11/2025

This article is intended as general information only and does not replace personalised medical or mental health advice. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behaviour. Among these, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder are well-recognised. However, the term “tripolar disorder” has emerged in some discussions, leading to confusion and curiosity. This article aims to explore the concept of tripolar disorder, its proposed characteristics, and the current understanding within the mental health community.

Keywords: Tripolar disorder, Understanding tripolar disorder, Mood disorders explained, What is tripolar disorder?, Bipolar vs tripolar disorder, Symptoms of tripolar disorder, Depression and mania, Mixed mood states, Mood disorder diagnosis, Tripolar mental health condition, Is tripolar disorder real?

Tripolar disorder is not an officially recognised diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The term has been used in various contexts to describe a condition involving three distinct mood states: depression, mania or hypomania, and a mixed state that combines features of both. This conceptualisation suggests a more complex mood disorder than the traditional bipolar disorder, which involves two mood states.

Proponents of the tripolar disorder concept describe the following mood states:

1. Depressive State: Characterised by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness.
2. Manic or Hypomanic State: Involves elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behaviour.
3. Mixed State: A combination of depressive and manic symptoms occurring simultaneously, leading to agitation, irritability, and emotional instability.

These descriptions align closely with the recognised features of bipolar disorder, particularly Bipolar I and II, which include depressive, manic, hypomanic, and mixed episodes (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022).

The concept of tripolar disorder is not widely accepted in clinical practice. Mental health professionals typically diagnose mood disorders based on established criteria in the DSM-5, which does not include tripolar disorder as a distinct category. The symptoms attributed to tripolar disorder are generally encompassed within the spectrum of bipolar disorders.

There is a lack of empirical research supporting tripolar disorder as a separate diagnostic entity. Most scientific literature focuses on bipolar disorder and its various subtypes. The introduction of tripolar disorder appears to be more prevalent in non-academic discussions and has not been substantiated by clinical studies.

While the term “tripolar disorder” has surfaced in some discussions, it is not an officially recognised mental health diagnosis. The symptoms described under this term are generally covered by existing classifications of bipolar disorder. Individuals experiencing mood disturbances are encouraged to seek professional evaluation to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

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