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. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes
through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. Bipolar disorder
causes dramatic mood swings -- from overly "high" and/or irritable to
sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in
between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes
in mood. The periods of highs are called episodes of mania while the lows
are called episodes of depression. In some cases, the symptoms of mania
and depression occur together which is called a mixed bipolar state. This
can be seen as agitation, trouble sleeping, significant change in appetite,
psychosis 
and suicidal thinking. The person may have a very sad, hopeless
mood while at the same feel extremely energized. Bipolar disorder may
appear to be a problem other than mental illness--for instance poor school work
or performance, strained interpersonal relationships or substance abuse.
Such problems may in fact be signs of an underlying mood disorder. Like
other mental illnesses, bipolar disorder cannot yet be identified
physiologically--for example, through a blood test or a brain scan.
Therefore, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made on the basis of symptoms,
course of illness, and, when available, family history. But there is good
new: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can
lead full and productive lives.
(For more information about bipolar disorder visit the National Institute of Mental Health's website at www.nimh.nih.gov )
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