Bipolar disorder is a cyclic illness where people periodically exhibit manic (elevated) and depressive episodes. Categories of Bipolar disorder include; Type I, where an individual experiences full-blown mania, or Bipolar Type II, in which the “highs” do not go to the extremes. Bipolar disorder will generally manifest in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, case of bipolar disorder manifesting in late life are well documented.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which consists of shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Due to the complex nature of the disorder it is often difficult to diagnose. Although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not apparent, it is known to run in

families and it is believed that genetics play a significant role.

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Assessment for bipolar disorder should be undertaken with the aid of a clinician trained to identify symptoms. Psychiatric evaluation is recommended, because this is a complex condition that is not always easy to identify.

Manic-depressive illness is serious and it needs to be treated with appropriate medications to reduce and control symptoms and to prevent episodes from worsening and becoming more frequent.

A bipolar disorder test will determine classification of the illness. Two subtypes of the condition are delineated: type I presents with hypomania, mania, depression, and psychosis, whereas the second classification, type II, is characterized by recurring episodes of hypomania (elevated or expansive mood, without the impairment in judgement seen in mania) and depression.

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Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a psychological illness which manifests as having extreme changes in mood, behavior and thought. A person s mood can change from mania to depression in a short period of time. These mood swings from highs to lows can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. A person with this mood disorder has a unique pattern of mood fluctuations specific to him but once his pattern is analyzed, it can be quite foreseeable.

Bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood but it can also start in early childhood or late adulthood. Recent studies show a genetic factor to this illness. It affects men and women equally although their initial manifestations of

the disorder may differ (men start with a manic episode while women with a depressive episode). The disorder can be found in all races and social classes. It continues throughout life. Because the symptoms are episodic, one may not be diagnosed correctly. Thus, those who have the illness may not be treated early. Once properly diagnosed, however, the illness can be treated.

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During the course of our lives, we all experience ups and downs. Some days we feel happy and care-free, while on other days we just can’t shake the blues. While we may find these mood changes bothersome, they do not disrupt our lives.

In some people, more specifically those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, mood changes are so drastic and severe that those suffering from the disorder often cannot function in the normal world. Once called Manic Depressive Disorder, the disease responsible for these drastic mood swings is now called Bipolar Disorder.

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There is nothing quite so frightening as being diagnosed with a mental disorder. However, millions of Americans are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder every day, people who are part of loving families, respected in the workplace and live full and rich lives.

Bipolar disorder is a condition that is still being explored by scientists and doctors around the world. As a brain disorder, it is often hard to diagnose and can present itself in many different ways depending on the patient’s past history, lifestyle, temperament and behaviors. The disorder can strike male or female, rich or poor and young or old.

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