Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression although this is an older term that is not much used nowadays. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy and activity levels that cause noticeable changes in a person's behavior. While many people have periodic ups and downs in their mood, people with bipolar disorder are unable to function normally at home, school, or work during the extremes of their illness. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families.

What are the symptoms?

Bipolar symptoms usually start during the teenage years or early adulthood although it can be years before the disorder is correctly diagnosed. The disorder tends to run in families and having a close family member with it significantly increases a person's risk of developing it. However, its exact cause is still not clear and there are multiple factors at work including genetics, brain structure and chemistry, use of drugs and alcohol, and stressful life events.

The behaviors that other people usually notice during a manic episode are talking very fast, behaving impulsively, taking part in high risk behaviors (like excessive drinking, gambling or sexual activity), and staying awake for days at a time. Some typical manic behaviors are spending a lot of money impulsively, driving recklessly at high speeds, getting into fights or getting arrested for disruptive behavior. A recent example of this type of behavior that was very public was Charlie Sheen before and after he was fired from his television show. During severe episodes there may also be symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that others cannot see or hear) or delusions (having false beliefs).

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder is generally treated with medications called mood stabilizers. If a person is having an acute episode of mania they may need hospitalization to prevent them from hurting themselves or others around them. If a person with mania is having psychotic thoughts or delusions, they will likely be treated with antipsychotic medication as well. Sometimes injectable medication is needed to control extreme behavior.

Treatment is focused first on the relief of current manic or depressive symptoms but later on will also work to prevent these symptoms from recurring (called maintenance therapy).