Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depressive Illness, causes dramatic changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Most people experience moderate mood swings, this is normal, although more drastic changes in mood could be a symptom of Bipolar Disorder. 1-2% of the population suffers from bipolar disorder, about 4 million people.

Anxiety Anxiety may be a symptom of Bipolar Disorder, or it could be a separate condition. Anxiety as a Bipolar symptom is usually more described as "agitation". The patient experiences a need to keep moving, standing up pacing around, racing thoughts, and a lack of focus. Patients race from thought to thought without really finishing anything. When these symptoms are present with irritability it can be a horrible experience people feel desperate to get out of.

Depression Depression can be a symptom or an effect of Bipolar disorder. Clearly as shown above the mix of emotions can lead to a feeling of hopelessness. This is the "low" associated with Bipolar disorder. Abnormal lows lead to decreased output at work, poorer over functioning, lower quality of life, and even suicide. If you feel your depression is more than you can handle see your doctor, he/she can help.

Note: Suicide is an option. If you have these thoughts talk to somebody immediately. A friend or family member if possible, or call the suicide hotline at 1-800-784-2433.

Manic Manic behavior is described as the "high" of Bipolar disorder. Activities with a negative consequence are normal during this period. Excessive shopping, sexual indiscretions, even talking too much can be associated with a Manic episode. During a Manic episode you may focus on setting goals, have inflated self esteem, or grandiosity. The differences between a depression cycle and a manic cycle are at the heart of the problem, one second you are building a better future and the next second you find it hard to figure out what direction to go.

Bipolar I Bipolar I Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the developed world (for ages 15-44). The first episode may occur at any age from childhood to old age. The average age at onset is 21. Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and (more often) depression. Untreated patients with Bipolar I Disorder typically have 8 to 10 episodes of mania and depression in their lifetime.

Manic episodes are characterized by elated mood, over-talkative or racing speed, and hyperactivity or agitation. The average depressive episode lasts 6 months, and the average manic episode lasts 4 months. Initially, the individual is usually diagnosed as having Major Depressive Disorder. However, once the individual has a manic episode, the diagnosis is changed to Bipolar I Disorder.

Bipolar II Bipolar (II) presumes at least one major depressive episode, plus at least one hypomanic episode over at least four days. The same characteristics as mania are present, with the disturbance of mood observable by others, but the episode is not enough to disrupt normal functioning or necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.

Those in a state of hypomania are typically the life of the party, the salesperson of the month, and more often than not the best-selling author or Fortune 500 mover and shaker, which is why so many refuse to seek treatment. But the same condition can also turn on its victim, resulting in bad decision-making, social embarrassments, wrecked relationships, and projects left unfinished.