Overview
Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic depression. It is characterized by excessive mood swings that go from seriously manic (or ‘high’) to very depressed. More than two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. While it is not curable, it is treatable with medication and psychotherapy.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
One of the most recognizable symptoms of bipolar disorder is the extreme mood swings – going way beyond the simple ‘moodiness’ many persons experience. Someone who is bipolar can go from having a very high level of energy, fantastic thoughts or ideas, and impulsive or reckless behavior to being very depressed and sometimes suicidal in a matter of hours or days. However, substance abuse, poor performance in school and trouble at work are a few situations that can make bipolar disorder hard to diagnose.

Symptoms of Mania
The symptoms of mania associated with bipolar disorder often last a week or more, if not treated. According to Mental Health America, some of these symptoms include:
• Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
• Denial that anything is wrong
• Extreme ‘high’ or euphoric feelings (a person may feel on top of the world and nothing, including bad news or tragic events, can change this happiness)
• Easily irritated or distracted
• Decreased need for sleep – an individual may last for days with little or no sleep without feeling tired and unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers
• Uncharacteristically poor judgment when a person says or does things that don’t match their personality quite right
• A long time when they act or dress differently
• Start collecting things they don’t normally or become obsessed about things like cleanliness
• An unusual sex drive
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Aggressive or paranoid behavior

Symptoms of Depression
The depressive side of bipolar disorder has many symptoms, also. According to the Mayo Clinic, they include:
 Sadness
 Hopelessness
 Suicidal thoughts or behavior
 Anxiety
 Guilt
 Sleep problems
 Appetite problems
 Fatigue
 Loss of interest in daily activities
 Problems concentrating
 Irritability
 Chronic pain without a known cause

Treatment
Treatment is essential in order for someone to recover from bipolar disorder, keep it under control and lead a normal life. Without a combination of medication, professional therapy and support from friends, family and co-workers, a person cannot fully stabilize their emotions and behavior. Without all of these elements working together, the person will continue to be manic and depressive uncontrollably. Some of the most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder are Lithium, Zyprexa, Tegratol and Depakote. But only a health care professional can properly diagnose and treat bipolar disorder.

Source: Mental Health America