Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. For those affected by bipolar disorder, life is an emotional roller coaster of intense highs and crippling lows.  Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of

bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. Between these mood swings, a person with Bipolar disorder may experience normal moods. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

"Manic” describes an increasingly restless, energetic, talkative, reckless, powerful, euphoric period. Lavish spending sprees or impulsive risky sex can be irresistible. Then, at some point, this high-flying mood can spiral into something darker—irritation, confusion, anger, feeling trapped. “Depression” describes the opposite mood—sadness, crying, sense of worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure, sleep problems. But because the pattern of highs and lows varies for each person, bipolar disorder is a complex disease to diagnose. For some people, mania or depression can last for weeks or months, even for years. For other people, bipolar disorder takes the form of frequent and dramatic mood shifts.

“There’s a whole spectrum of symptoms and mood changes that have been found in bipolar disorder,” says Michael Aronson, MD, a clinical psychiatrist and consultant for WebMD. “It’s not always dramatic mood swings. In fact, some people seem to get along just fine. The manic periods can be very, very productive. They think things are going great.” A broad spectrum of mood shifts have been found to occur, ranging from the extreme of severe mania or depression requiring hospitalization to the opposite extreme, characterized by sleep problems, irritability, racing thoughts, pressured speech, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased energy.

According to Aronson, the danger comes when the mania grows much worse. “The change can be very dramatic, with catastrophic results. People can get involved in reckless behavior, spend a lot of money, there may be sexual promiscuity, sexual risks.”

 Further Reading:

 Oliwenstein, Lori (2004) Taming Bipolar Disorder (Psychology Today Here to Help Series)

 Waltz, Mitzi; Keene, Nancy (Editor) (2002) Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help

 Miklowitz, David (2002) The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know

Papolos, Demitri; Papolos, Janice (2002)  Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder