More on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a major mood disorder in which both manic and depressive episodes alternate over time. The sufferer may exhibit elated, manic-type behavior for up to several months at a time, and then descend into a major depressive episode. In recent years, bipolar disorder has been classified into additional subcategories: bipolar I, bipolar II, unipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I represents the classic bipolar category type with periods of true mania alternating with periods of major depression. Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I, where major depressive episodes alternate with hypomanic episodes rather than full-blown mania. Mania is … Continue reading

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder (previously known as manic-depression) has been described as “the roller coaster ride from heaven to hell and back”. Sufferers of this condition experience profound depressive episodes which alternate with periods of extreme mania and elation. To understand this distressing disorder better, let’s examine the case of John. People who know John only vaguely could be forgiven for thinking he was two different persons—depending on what mood state he was in at the time. John could be a very quiet, thoughtful, and softly-spoken guy, who was caring and respectful of others, and seemed to suffer from both low self-esteem … Continue reading