View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-bipolar-disorder-helen-m-farrell The word bipolar means ‘two extremes.’ For the many millions experiencing bipolar disorder around the world, life is split between two different realities: elation and depression. So what causes this disorder? And can it be treated? Helen M. Farrell describes the root causes and treatments for bipolar disorder. Lesson by Helen M Farrell, animation by Uncle Ginger.